How common are electrocution injuries in construction?

Construction is hard and rewarding work. You can see the difference your efforts make on a project come together before your eyes. It’s easy to see the difference that you make in a day’s work.

Unfortunately, construction is also hazardous work. Construction sites expose workers to falls, fallen objects, and many more job hazards. Electrocution is one of the risks associated with construction.

Electrocution injuries have re-entered the news in the last few months. Two utility workers perished in August after receiving electrical shock while inspecting telephone poles. Investigators were unsure of how the workers received the fatal electrocution because the part of the poles they inspected shouldn’t have had electrical current.

You’re four times as likely to sustain an electrocution injury as a construction worker than any other profession. That includes people like electricians where they primarily work with electricity. Your employer has an obligation to ensure that their workers understand electrical safety.

How electrical injuries happen

It’s a good idea to think twice before touching any potential electrical shock hazards like circuit breakers, light fixtures, and transformers. Workers should always use caution around power lines, whether they are above or below ground, but especially with downed power lines This is because most on-the-job electrical injuries are a result of direct contact.

If you spot any frayed or otherwise damaged electrical cords, do not use them and notify a supervisor. Management could be negligent for continuing to allow workers to use faulty equipment like frayed power cords.

You can help prevent electrocution accidents by following proper grounding procedures, unplugging equipment from power sources before working on it, and using proper lock-out/tag-out measures. It’s best not to take any chances when dealing with electricity.

You don’t have to settle for suffering

If you sustained an electrical burn because of someone’s carelessness or negligence that has impacted your quality of life or ability to work, you may be able to receive compensation. Receiving damages can help you make up for missed time at work, medical bills, and more.

Working with electricity is serious business and employers must protect their workers from harm.