§710. Accidents investigated; reports






If an accident occurs upon the premises of a public utility or directly or indirectly
arises from or is connected with its maintenance or operation, the following provisions
apply. [1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]








1. Accidents resulting in loss of life. 
If the accident results in the loss of human life, the public utility shall file
a report of the accident in accordance with subsection 4 and the commission shall
cause an investigation of the accident to be made immediately.


[
1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW)
.]








2. Accidents resulting in personal injury or property damage. 
If the accident results in personal injury or damage to property, the public utility
shall file a report of the accident in accordance with subsection 4 and the commission
may investigate if in its judgment the public interest requires it.


[
1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW)
.]








3. Investigations. 
Investigations shall be made in compliance with the following provisions:





A. An investigation shall be held in the locality of the accident unless, for the greater
convenience of those concerned, the commission orders it to be held at some other
place. An investigation may adjourn from place to place as may be necessary and convenient. [1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]










B. The commission shall seasonably notify the public utility of the time and place
of investigations. [1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]










C. The public utility shall have an opportunity to be heard during the investigation. [1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]










D. The commission may make such order or recommendation based on its investigation
as in its judgment seems just and reasonable. [1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]







[
1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW)
.]








4. Filing accident reports. 
Every public utility shall file reports of accidents described in subsections 1
and 2 with the commission. Accident reports must be filed in compliance with the
commission's rules and in the manner and form designated by the commission. Accidents
resulting in loss of human life must be reported immediately by telephone, facsimile
machine or electronic media in a manner designated by the commission followed by a
detailed written report.


[
1995, c. 225, §6 (AMD)
.]








5. Reports not admitted as evidence in an action. 
No order or recommendation of the commission or accident report filed with the commission
may be admitted as evidence in any action for damages based on or arising out of the
loss of life or injury to person or property referred to in this section.


[
1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW)
.]





SECTION HISTORY

1987, c. 141, §A6 (NEW).
1995, c. 225, §6 (AMD).