Construction Injury Hot Topics

Electrical Shock Injury 

Despite evolving technology and constant improvements on safety programs, the number of construction workers experiencing an electrical shock injury is on the rise. As one out of construction site related deaths is caused by electrocution almost all fatalities resulted from overhead contact with power lines.

An electrical shock injury can fall into one of four main categories:

• electrocution (fatal)
• electric shock
• burns
• falls caused as a result of contact with electrical energy.

If you or someone you know has been injured on the job due to an electrical shock injury, you may be eligible for compensation.  Contact one of our construction injury attorneys in your area today.

Generally, workers suffer burns as a result of an electrical shock injury. Burns can be categorized into three types:

• Electrical burns – electricity flows through the body
• Arc burns – the body comes near high temperatures caused by electrical arcs/explosions
• Thermal contact burns – body comes in contact with overheated surfaces/conduits

Electrical burns are caused by electricity flowing through tissues and/or bones and are the main reason for electrocution on construction sites. How severe the damage will be is determined by the type of voltage, the pathway through the body and the duration and resistance of the worker’s body. At the location where the electricity leaves the body, there is a so-called “exit wound”, which might be present in addition the other electrical burns.

Electrical burns are one of the most serious injuries a worker can suffer at a construction site. Depending on where the electrocution began, it is likely that the electricity ran through the worker’s heart. In that case, the worker will only survive if the heart can be started again. For this reason, CPR skills are very important in the construction industry. In any case, medical attention should be sought immediately.

What are the causes of electrocutions in construction injuries?

Cranes are by far the most common cause for overhead contacts to power lines. At the same time, backhoes, dump tracks and ladders or scaffolds also present a hazard concerning overhead contact incidences. Consider the most common causes of construction electrocution:

• Overhead power lines
• Defect electrical equipment
• Electrical wiring
• Light fixtures
• Appliances and machinery
• Energized objects
• Lightning
• Underground power lines
• Other, unknown causes

If you or someone you know has been injured on the job due to an electrical shock injury, you may be eligible for compensation.  Contact one of our construction injury attorneys in your area today.

Tips for electrocution accidents on construction sites

• Don’t touch the person until the power has been disconnected
• Call 911
• Give CPR/first aid if you are sure what to do
• Give CPR within 4 minutes
• Give ACLS within 8 minutes
• Calm the injured person down
• Don’t move the person until medical assistance arrives

As too many people die or are seriously injured each year as a result of electrocutions, the majority of these accidents could be prevented if adequate measures were taken in advance.

If you or a loved one have suffered an electrical shock injury, contact a construction injury lawyer
and seek information concerning your legal options and rights. Remember, you may be eligible for compensation.  
Contact one of our electrical shock injury attorneys today. 

Update: FR