Unsafe worksites lead to electrical accidents

Electrical accidents at construction sites claim the lives of approximately 350 workers every year, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In one case cited as a typical accident example, two workers were spreading concrete from a concrete pumper hose, located across the street from the worksite. A set of high-voltage power lines ran along the street between the truck and the men who were working.

While one worker was moving the hose, the boom of the truck struck one of the overhead power lines, immediately energizing the whole system. The worker received a fatal electrical shock, and caused him to fall onto the second worker. The second worker also suffered major electrical shock and burns, but survived.

OSHA found that this incident, along with most accidents in the construction industry, could have been prevented. The administration has identified five hazards that represent the most common source of electrical injuries to workers:

Contact with power lines – Large, tall, and heavy equipment such as illustrated in the case above is an obvious hazard. But aluminum ladders, backhoes, even aluminum paint rollers can easily cause the same level of injuries to workers if they come in contact with an electrical source. OSHA recommends de-energizing and grounding nearby power lines, and preventing construction workers from coming within 10 feet of overhead lines.

Lack of ground fault protection – Even rugged electrical tools can become damaged during the demanding work of a construction site. Insulation breaks, exposed wires, and short-circuits can send electrical current through the worker’s body, or cause fire. Ground fault circuit interrupters can immediately cut off the source of power when electrical failures occur within the tool. All tools should also be inspected before each use, and repaired or discarded if wiring is damaged or faulty.

Path to ground missing or discontinuous – This is another form of lack of ground fault protection. As above, all tools should be inspected, as should all electrical boxes, cords, and wiring on the work site. Removing the ground pin from extension cords greatly increases the risk of accident.

Equipment not used in the manner prescribed – Manufacturers must build safety features into their products, but if an electrical tool is not used as it was intended, it could lead to hazardous risks for workers. Use only OSHA-approved equipment, and in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not modify equipment, wiring, or extension cords to work outside of safety features.

Improper use of extension and flexible cords – All extension cords used on a worksite must be three-prong cords designed for heavy-duty work. But even these cords can break or deteriorate over time, so visual inspection is needed before each use.

Full information regarding OSHA electrical safety regulations can be found on the administration’s website (www.osha.gov).

If you have been involved in an electrical accident either at work or in the home, it may be due to faulty equipment or improper safety procedures. In short, you may not be to blame, though you might have to shoulder the medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering alone.

A personal injury attorney at Jim S. Adler & Associates can help get you the settlement you deserve, and the compensation you need to cover these and other expenses. Don’t settle for less. Contact Jim S. Adler & Associates for a free case review by calling us directly, or by clicking on the link on this page.

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