What Are Common Injuries Among Electricians?

Work-related electrocution accidents happen more often than you think, and they happen in all industries. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, electrical hazards cause more than 300 deaths and 4,000 injuries each year among the U.S. workforce. Electrocution is the sixth leading cause of workplace deaths in America.

Even though electrocution happens to many construction workers, electricians see many electrical injuries as well. Being an electrician requires very detailed and precise work. If a small mistake happens, someone can get seriously hurt. Just one unsafe installation or connection could be dangerous for any worker in the area.

The injuries caused by electricity can vary depending on the type and strength of the current, as well as how it enters and travels through the body. A low-voltage electrical current might just shock the person and cause mild discomfort, but it may result in no long-lasting damage. A high-voltage electrical current on the other hand could cause serious, permanent injuries or even death. Here are some common injuries among electricians and other workers:

• Second- and third-degree burns over the entire body.
• Damage to brain tissue.
• Heart attack.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Seizures.
• Irregular or difficulty breathing.
• Numbness in the extremities.
• Nerve damage throughout the body.
• Weakness and spasms in the muscles throughout the body.
• Pain throughout the body.
• Hearing or vision loss.
• Spinal cord damage, causing paralysis.

What Are Common Causes of Electrocution?

Often, electrocution accidents occur while the job is being completed and before any safety or code inspections have taken place. Here are some common causes of electrical injuries:

• Damaged electrical wires or connections.
• Exposed “hot” wires.
• Mis-wiring.
• Working in wet conditions where electricity has an easy conduit.
• Damaged power cords that come into contact with standing water.
• Fallen power lines.
• Heavy machinery coming into contact with power lines.

What Should You Do if You Have Been Electrocuted at Work?

The first step you should take after an electrocution accident is report your workplace injury to your supervisor or the Human Resources (HR) department. The sooner an injury report is filed, the sooner the Workers’ Compensation process can begin.

The second step is to get medical care. Electrical injuries are complex. You may think your condition is not serious, but it may turn out to be severe. The sooner you get treated by a medical doctor, the better your chance is for recovery.

Also, having a doctor examine you will help your claim. Your doctor can help verify that your injury happened at work. This will help if the insurance company or your employer challenges your claim.

Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Represent Injured Electricians

If you have been electrocuted at work and need help with your claim, speak with one of our Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation lawyers at DiTomaso Law. Call us at 856-414-0010 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in South Jersey, including Mt. Holly, Camden County, and Vineland.