We have all heard warnings about electricity risks at some point in our lives. But, statistics show that electrocution safety should be a topic of discussion more often, especially in the workplace. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) reported that in 2019 there were more than 166 electrical fatalities.
Various negligent factors, including defective tools, improper connections, and misuse of tools, greatly increase a worker’s chance of electrical injury. There are also situations where workers are unaware of the possible electrical hazards existing in the work environment. This often makes them vulnerable to an electric shock injury or electrocution.
What are electrical injuries?
Electrical injury occurs when an electrical current passes through the body and causes damage to the skin or internal organs. Electrical injuries consist of four main types of injuries, electrocution (which refers to electric shock stopping the heart), electric shock (injury to the body from direct contact with a high-voltage source), burns, and fall injuries as a result of contact with electrical energy. These injuries can happen in several ways:
- Direct contact with exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. When an electrical current travels through the human body, it can interfere with the normal electrical signals between the brain and the muscles. For example, the heart may stop beating properly, breathing may stop, or muscles may spasm.
- Thermal burns can be a result of heat radiated from an electric arc flash. Ultraviolet and infrared light emitted from the arc flash can also cause severe damage to the eyes.
- An arc blast can include an explosive energy wave that is released during an arc flash explosion. This wave can cause severe burns, collapse your lungs, or create noise that can damage hearing.
- Muscle contractions, or a startle reaction, can cause a person to fall from a ladder and cause broken bones, traumatic brain injury, and even death.
Electric injuries in the workplace
While electrical hazards are not the leading cause of on-the-job injuries, they contribute to more than 400 electrocutions and 4,000 injuries in the workplace annually. Electric injuries in the workplace often mean that a worker will suffer physically and financially. In addition, the company’s productivity may be impacted.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies electricity as a long-time serious workplace hazard. Electrical faults are not only likely to cause injuries, but they also have the potential to cause fires or explosions, making electrocution safety-critical.
Recovery from electrical shocks is recognized as a slow and painful process. OSHA reports that every 30 minutes during the workday, a worker is severely injured by electricity, that time off from work is necessary to recover.
Tips for working safely around electricity
It is imperative to understand that a person does not need to be directly working with electricity to contact an electrical risk. Regardless if the workplace setting is at a large manufacturing plant or a construction site, certain guidelines should serve as a beneficial reminder of basic electrocution safety practices.
It is critical to ensure that all staff is trained on the correct ways to use electrical equipment and spot a fault. Many times workplace injuries occur when employees do not understand the severity of electrical hazards. Electrocution safety should be an integral part of every job’s planning process, including taking a proactive approach to using appliances, equipment, extension cords, and outlets to reduce the electric injury risk in the workplace.
Other helpful steps to minimize the risk of an electric shock injury at the workplace include:
- Identify any electric shock hazards that may be present.
- Inspect tools, power cords, and electrical fittings for damage or wear before each use. Immediately repair or replace any damaged equipment.
- Test every circuit and every conductor every time before use.
- Isolate equipment from energy sources.
- Always use ladders made of wood or other non-conductive materials when working with or near electricity or power lines. Workers risk electrocution when using metal ladders around energized, overhead power lines.
- Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring.
- Don’t operate heavy equipment under power lines.
- Keep power cords clear of tools during use.
- Always wear protective clothing and equipment and use insulated tools in areas where possible electrical hazards exist.
- Look for overhead power lines when operating any equipment.
- Unless you know otherwise, assume that overhead power lines are energized.
- Use ground-fault circuit interrupters for protection.
- Be alert to electrical hazards when working with ladders or other platforms.
- Do not overload outlets.
- Never use electrical equipment when your hands or the equipment is wet.
- Unplug cords from the outlet by gripping the plug. Do not pull the cord from a distance.
- Have an emergency response plan in the event of an electrical emergency.
Do I need an Electrocution Lawyer?
Knowing electrocution safety will minimize the risks of an electric injury, but it does not mean electric injuries will never occur. Electricity is a powerful force that can seriously injure and lead to fatalities in the worst cases. The surviving victims of an electric injury may suffer permanent disability, heart damage, internal organ damage, loss of vision, hearing loss, brain damage, nerve damage, and the list goes on. These injuries and the recovery process are very costly, placing financial stress on victims and their families. This situation makes it critical to seek the guidance of a qualified Electrocution Lawyer. The injured victim may be entitled to compensation for their pain, suffering, lost wages, past and future medical expenses, and more.
An Electrocution Lawyer will navigate you through the legal process and help determine who is liable for the damages. Don’t try to seek justice without having an experienced Electrocution Lawyer in your corner protecting your rights.
How The Carlson Law Firm can help
Here at The Carlson Law Firm, we have been helping personal injury victims for over 40 years. If you have suffered an electrical injury in the workplace, don’t wait another moment to seek the guidance of an experienced Electrocution Lawyer. Our team is ready to invest heavily in your case and pursue maximum compensation while ensuring you get the medical treatment necessary. Contact us today for a free consultation. We care, we can help.
