In the construction industry, electrocutions account for 8.3% of all worker fatalities, making it one of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) "Focus Four" leading causes of construction worker deaths.
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In fact, between 2011 and 2020, the construction sector accounted for a staggering 49.1% of all fatal occupational electrical injuries in the United States, totaling 737 deaths. In the same period, 24.4% of all nonfatal electrical injuries across industries occurred in construction, amounting to nearly 5,000 incidents.
Getting shocked or electrocuted can cause life-changing injuries, including severe burns, nerve damage, or even heart problems. These injuries can keep victims from working and supporting their families. When electrical accidents happen due to unsafe conditions, you may be able to seek legal help to cover your losses.
What Happens in Electrical Shock and Electrocution
Electrical accidents in construction can result in two primary types of injuries: electrical shock and electrocution. While both involve contact with electrical current, their outcomes differ significantly.
Electrical shock occurs when a person's body becomes part of an electrical circuit, allowing current flow. The severity of the shock depends on various factors, including the amount of current, the path it takes through the body, and the duration of exposure. As little as 50 milliamperes of current can cause extreme pain, respiratory arrest, and severe muscular contractions.
Electrocution, on the other hand, refers specifically to fatal electrical accidents. OSHA defines electrocution as death resulting from exposure to a lethal amount of electrical energy. At 1,000 milliamperes and above, a worker will likely suffer cardiac arrest and severe burns, with death being probable.
Types of Injuries from Electrical Accidents
Electrical accidents in construction can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity:
- Burns: The most common type of electrical injury. Burns can be superficial or deep, potentially causing permanent disfigurement and requiring extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts.
- Cardiac problems: Electric shocks can disrupt the heart's rhythm, potentially leading to cardiac arrest. Even if not immediately fatal, these incidents can cause long-term cardiovascular issues.
- Neurological damage: Electrical current passing through the body can damage the nervous system, leading to problems such as seizures, memory loss, or even permanent paralysis.
- Musculoskeletal injuries: The intense muscle contractions caused by electrical shock can result in fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue injuries.
- Secondary injuries: Falls resulting from electric shock are common in construction, potentially leading to additional traumatic injuries.
Common Causes of Electrical Accidents and How to Prevent Them
- Contact with power lines
Maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet from overhead power lines. Use non-conductive tools and equipment when working near power sources.
- Faulty equipment and tools
Regular equipment inspections should be conducted to identify signs of wear or damage. Use only tools approved by nationally recognized testing laboratories. Remove any defective equipment from service immediately and apply warning tags. The Consumer Products Safety Commission regularly recalls defective power tools that pose electrical hazards.
- Improper grounding
Ensure all power supply systems, electrical circuits, and equipment are properly grounded. Use double-insulated tools and equipment when possible. Implement an assured equipment grounding conductor program (AEGCP).
- Wet conditions
Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) on all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles not part of a building's permanent wiring. Avoid standing in wet areas when using portable electrical tools. Use appropriate PPE, such as insulated gloves and tools, to provide extra protection against electrical hazards.
- Lack of proper training
Provide comprehensive electrical safety training to all workers. This should include recognizing electrical hazards, understanding safe work practices, and using PPE. Implement proper lockout/tagout procedures to ensure electrical equipment is de-energized and secured before maintenance or repair work begins.
For a more detailed understanding of electrical safety regulations, read our article on OSHA Guidelines and Standards You Need to Know to Prevent Electrical Accidents in Construction.
Knowing Your Rights for Electrical Accidents on the Job
When electrical accidents occur, various legal considerations come into play:
- Workers' Compensation: Injured workers are generally entitled to workers' compensation benefits, regardless of fault.
- Third-party liability: If a party other than the employer (such as an equipment manufacturer or subcontractor) is responsible for the accident, the injured worker may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
- OSHA violations: Employers who fail to follow OSHA regulations may face citations and penalties
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What You Need to Do After an Electrical Accident
If an electrical accident occurs, you should:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, internal damage may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the incident. Notify supervisors and file necessary incident reports.
- Preserve evidence. Document the accident scene and preserve any relevant equipment or tools if possible.
- Consult with a legal professional. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of workers' compensation and potential third-party claims.
While the construction industry has made strides in improving safety, electrical shock and electrocution accidents continue to occur.
Understanding the risks, implementing robust safety measures, and knowing your legal rights are crucial steps in protecting yourself from the devastating effects of electrical accidents.
Speak to a Construction Accident Lawyer Today
After an electrical accident, you or a loved one might face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future. The Porter Law Group is here to shoulder some of that burden. We want to listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a tailored legal strategy.
Our expert attorneys are committed to helping you understand and exercise your rights to safety, compensation, and justice. We specialize in construction accident cases, particularly those involving electrical injuries. Let us help you secure fair compensation and access to the best medical care and support services available.
Don't face the aftermath of an electrical accident alone. Contact the Porter Law Group today at 833-PORTER9 or reach out to us online for a free, confidential consultation. There are no fees unless we win your case.
