What Are The Most Common Electrical Injuries In The Workplace?

Electrical injuries are some of the most serious workplace accidents that can occur. When an electrical current flows through the body, it can cause burns, muscle damage, and even heart failure. In severe cases, electrical injuries can be fatal. Even minor electrical burns can require extensive medical treatment and result in permanent scarring. To reduce the risk of electrical injuries, workers should be appropriately trained in electrical safety procedures and wear proper protective gear when working with exposed electrical circuits. If an electrical injury does occur, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. With prompt treatment, many patients can make a full recovery.

According to the National Safety Council, the most common electrical injury in the workplace is electrocution. This occurs when a worker comes into contact with an energized power line or electrical circuit. High-voltage electrical shocks can cause serious injuries or even death, and workers who survive electrocution often suffer from burns, nerve damage, and other long-term health problems. While electrocutions are relatively rare, they are one of the most dangerous electrical injuries. That’s why workers must follow safety protocols and avoid contact with energized power lines and circuits.

What are common electrical workplace injuries?

Electric shock

Electrical injuries are burn injuries that occur when an electrical current passes through the body. This can happen if you come into contact with an exposed live wire or if you are struck by lightning. In severe cases, electrical injuries can cause organ damage, cardiac arrest, and even death. The severity of the injury depends on the amount of current that passes through the body and the length of time that the current is applied.

If you experience an electrical injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Electrical injuries can cause serious internal damage, even if there are no visible signs of injury on the skin. If you suspect that someone has suffered an electrical injury, call 911 and avoid touching the person until emergency medical personnel arrive. Bystanders should also avoid touching any exposed live wires. Electrical injuries can be extremely serious, but prompt medical treatment can often prevent lasting damage.

Electrical burns

Electrical burns can be some of the most serious and dangerous burns that a person can suffer. That’s because they not only damage the skin and tissue, but they can also cause internal damage to organs and bones. Electrical burns are caused by contact with an electrical current, and they can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of an electrical burn include muscular spasms, tingling, numbness, and paralysis. In some cases, electrical burns can also lead to cardiac arrest. If you suspect that someone has suffered an electrical burn, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Electrical burns can be very serious, and they require prompt treatment to prevent further complications.

Falls

One of the most common causes of electrical injury in the workplace is falls. This can occur when workers are installing or repairing overhead power lines or when they are working on elevated platforms. Falls can also happen when workers are climbing ladders or scaffolding or when they are working in confined spaces. In some cases, electrical injuries can occur when workers are simply walking across a room and come into contact with an exposed wire. 

To prevent falls, employers should provide employees with proper safety equipment and training. Employees should also be aware of their surroundings and be cautious of potential hazards. By taking these precautions, employers and employees can help to prevent falls and other electrical injuries in the workplace.

What types of workplace conditions cause electrical injuries or deaths?

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), there are four main types of workplace conditions that can cause electrical injuries or death: contact with overhead power lines, faulty electrical equipment, exposed electrical wiring, and improper work procedures. Thousands of workers are electrocuted each year while working on or near conductive materials such as metal scaffolding, ladders, and cranes. 

Faulty electrical equipment is another common source of workplace accidents; NIOSH estimates that nearly 40% of all electrocutions are caused by defective electrical products. In addition, exposure to live electrical wiring is a serious hazard for many workers, particularly those in construction and maintenance occupations. 

Finally, improper work procedures are often to blame for electrical accidents; for example, using power tools near water or working on energized equipment without wearing the proper personal protective equipment. By understanding the risks associated with electricity, workers can better protect themselves from potentially deadly hazards.

What workers are most at risk for electrical accidents?

Workers in the construction, extraction, installation, maintenance, trucking, transportation, and repair industries are at the greatest risk for fatal electrical accidents. In fact, these workers accounted for nearly 60% of all workplace electrical fatalities between 2011 and 2015. The most common causes of death were electrocution (40%), followed by burns (30%), and falls (30%). 

While any worker can be injured by an electrical hazard, those who work outdoors or in elevated locations are particularly vulnerable. To help reduce the risk of electrical accidents, NIOSH recommends that employers provide training on safe work practices and identify and control potential hazards. Workers should also be aware of the dangers of electricity and know how to stay safe on the job.

Who is responsible for electrical injuries in the workplace?

Electrical injuries can occur in any workplace, and they can be caused by a number of factors. In some cases, electrical injuries are the result of defective equipment or faulty wiring. In other cases, they may be caused by improper safety procedures or the failure to follow safety protocols. Regardless of the cause, electrical injuries can have serious consequences for workers. Electrical injuries can sometimes lead to burns, paralysis, or even death. 

If you have been the victim of an electrical injury at your workplace, you may be eligible for compensation. Workers’ compensation benefits can help to cover medical expenses and lost wages. In addition, if your employer was responsible for the injury, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you have been injured in an electrical accident, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options.

How to prevent electrical injuries in the workplace?

Every year, hundreds of workers are injured on the job as a result of electrical hazards. While some of these accidents are due to faulty equipment, many are caused by human error. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that can be taken to prevent electrical injuries in the workplace. First, all workers should be properly trained in the use of electrical equipment and the potential hazards involved. 

Second, all electrical equipment should be regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Third, only qualified personnel should work on or near live electrical circuits. Finally, all workplaces should have an up-to-date emergency plan in place in case of an accident. 

By taking these precautions, employers can help create a safe working environment for their employees.

What do you do if you are electrocuted at work?

Workplaces can be full of potential hazards, and one of the most dangerous is electricity. If you are electrocuted at work, it is important to take immediate action in order to minimize the risk of injury or death. The first step is to disconnect yourself from the electrical source. If you are unable to do this yourself, someone else will need to do it for you. Once you are disconnected, seek medical attention immediately. 

Even if you feel like you are not injured, it is important to have a professional evaluation to rule out any internal damage. Electrical shocks can cause serious injuries, so it is always better to err on the side of caution. Taking quick and decisive action if you are electrocuted at work could save your life.

Get your compensation

If you are injured from an electric shock while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation insurance benefits. These benefits can help cover medical bills and expenses and replace any wages you may have lost as a result of the accident. 

In order to qualify for these benefits, you will need to file a claim with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider. This claim will then be reviewed by the insurance company, which will determine whether you are eligible for benefits. If you have any questions about the claims process or if you need help filing a claim, you should contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

Conclusion

In the United States, shocks and burns from contact with electricity are some of the most common workplace injuries. These injuries can be caused by faulty electrical equipment, improper use of extension cords, or even exposure to lightning. While some electrical injuries are minor and cause only temporary discomfort, others can be much more serious, leading to permanent damage or even death. 

To help prevent these accidents from happening, it’s important to know what symptoms to look for and what steps to take if you experience them. Employers can also play a role in keeping their workers safe by following certain best practices when it comes to electrical safety in the workplace. Finally, there are things that we can all do on our own time to stay safe around electricity and avoid accidental injury. We can all help keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from harm by following these tips.