Back in October, 1989 we were building a new narrow profile three phase 12kV line to replace an existing single phase line.  In one particular span, the old single phase line crossed in the path of the neutral on the new line.  We left the new neutral wire down low on the pole and went underneath the existing line temporary.  We then energized one phase of the new line for for several spans in order to remove the old line that was in the way.  After energizing new wire and removing section of old line we stopped for lunch.  After lunch I was to move the neutral up to the spool on the upset bolt and clip it in.  As I picked the neutral up with my hands, I leaned forward to put in on the spool when I made contact with a lightning arrestor jumper.  As you can see in the pictures, my left shoulder and both hands received significant burns from the 7,200 volt system.  These injuries resulted in about six months of missed work and a skin graft to the left shoulder.  Both of my hands healed without any grafts but my right thumb doesn't have any feeling on the left half.  As I think back now, there are a number of things that contributed to this accident.  I think the biggest factor was being in a hurry to finish the job.  I had completely forgotten about the new wire being energized.  This accident changed the way I work and made me realize that it's not about who finishes first......it's about planning, safety, and going home to the family at the end of the workday.