03 April 2019 Apia Samoa. EPC has issued an official Statement following the death of 22-year old Tevita Amituanai Akisa while he was working on a power pole in the Alafua area.
Issued seven days after the death of the young man, the statement begins, “It is with great sadness that EPC regrets to announce the sudden passing away of one of its employees. The deceased is Tevita Amituanai age 22 from the village of Vaitele and Salailua”.
The statement confirms that Tevita was part of a 5-linemen team working on upgrade works on its “low voltage distribution network” and that a supervisor was also in attendance.
“At around 3:00pm on Wednesday 27th March 2019 while working on its low voltage distribution network at Alafua, Tevita accidentally slipped and was electrocuted”.
“Tevita had his full safety gear on when the accident happened, however, it is quite tragic that this has happened to one of our own.”
According to EPC, the young man had slipped causing him to come in contact with a “live wire” and they have not yet ruled out weather conditions as a contributing factor.
The statement reads, “From investigations, the logistics of the work site where he was working and with reference to statements obtained from witnesses, Tevita slipped from the ladder and accidentally touched the live wire while attempting to conclude the works on the Low Voltage Power Pole he was working on”.
EPC says their priority in the past week has been to assist Tevita’s family and offer support to staff members to come to terms with the tragic accident.
“There are no words to comfort families when a loved one dies, especially so sudden. However, it is never the Corporation’s intention to put the lives of its employees at risk.”
“Safety procedures and measures for their protection at all times, is of paramount importance to EPC, given the nature of these works.”
The EPC Statement in Full:
EPC STATEMENT
EPC issues official Statement pertaining to the death of one of its employees EPC confirms response to and cause of death for one of its own.
It is with great sadness that EPC regrets to announce the sudden passing away of one of its employees. The deceased is Tevita Amituanai age 22 from the village of Vaitele and Salailua. He was part of the 5 linemen team including a supervisor that attended the upgrade works on its low voltage distribution network.
At around 3:00pm on Wednesday 27th March 2019 while working on its low voltage distribution network at Alafua, Tevita accidentally slipped and was electrocuted.
Tologata Tile Leia Tuimalealiifano, General Manager of EPC states that Tevita’s death has come as a shock to the whole Corporation, and that this incident is an unfortunate and tragic accident.
“Tevita had his full safety gear on when the accident happened, however, it is quite tragic that this has happened to one of our own. From investigations, the logistics of the work site where he was working and with reference to statements obtained from witnesses, Tevita slipped from the ladder and accidentally touched the live wire while attempting to conclude the works on the Low Voltage Power Pole he was working on. Weather condition of light showers and wind towards the end of their work has not been ruled out as a contributing factor”.
Given the sensitive nature and circumstances surrounding the death of our own, the Electric Power Corporation’s first priority since then, was to assist Tevita’s family and his working team in coming in to terms with his passing and reminding the employees of Safety Policies and Procedures.
“There are no words to comfort families when a loved one dies, especially so sudden. However, it is never the Corporation’s intention to put the lives of its employees at risk. Safety procedures and measures for their protection at all times, is of paramount importance to EPC, given the nature of these works. As tragic the situation, EPC yet again reemphasises the priority for safety offor its technical staff safety at all times while, as providing the services to the country, continues.”
EPC wishes to offer its sincere condolences to Tevita’s mother, grandmother, family and friends. May he rest in Peace.
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