Describe the danger of working near power lines while tree trimming.

Working near power lines while tree trimming poses significant risks, primarily due to the potential for electrocution and causing power outages. Power lines carry high-voltage electricity, and any accidental contact can result in severe injury or fatality for the individual working nearby. This danger is exacerbated by the proximity of tree branches to these lines; a branch that comes into contact with a power line can create a path for electrical current to flow, risking the safety of the trimmer as well as the integrity of the electrical system.

Additionally, contact with power lines can lead to power outages, disrupting service to homes and businesses in the surrounding area. It is crucial for professionals to implement safety measures, such as maintaining a safe distance and using insulated tools, to mitigate these risks while trimming trees near electrical infrastructure.

The other potential dangers mentioned, such as falling branches or equipment malfunction, while serious, do not carry the immediate life-threatening consequences or broader community impact associated with working too close to energized power lines.