According to the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration (OSHA), around 350 deaths from electrocution occur on construction sites every year. Many more, nonfatal accidents involving electrocution take place on construction sites every year as well, making electrocution a very real construction site accident risk.
Circumstances Leading to Electrocution
Electrocution can occur on a construction site in several different ways. The most common are:
• Improperly grounded live electrical wires
• Scaffolding and cranes near low hanging power lines
• Malfunctioning equipment
• Improper tools
• Insufficient safety training
Many sites have exposed live wires that present a safety hazard to workers. Others may have wiring that was improperly installed, creating a risk where none was expected.
Injuries from Electrocution
Our bodies are perfect conduits for electricity but are not equipped to protect us against its impact. As such, all electrocutions will result in some damage. Common injuries from electrocution include:
• Burns
• Tissue damage
• Internal organ damage
• Death
Even minor injuries from electrocution can cause unseen, internal damage. All electrical injuries should be attended to by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Determining Liability
Finding out where fault lies in construction site electrocution accidents can be very difficult. Depending on the cause of the injury, fault may lie with:
• The contractors who installed the wires
• The manufacturer of the tools or equipment that caused the accident
• The safety supervisor
• The landowner
Having an experienced personal injury lawyer can help alleviate the burden of determine guilt. An attorney with sufficient experience in dealing with construction site accidents can help you determine liability, and get the compensation you will need to deal with your injuries.
