Statistics from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health state that there were 400 work-related fatalities due to electrocutions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adds that 20.3% of these deaths are from construction site electrocutions. OSHA also highlights that electrocutions are the third-highest cause of workers’ deaths after falls and hits from construction materials and equipment.

If you’ve sustained injuries from the above-mentioned factors, construction accident attorneys can help in suing the potential liable parties and handling the complex proceedings.

The following article reviews electrocution accidents in construction sites. Read on to discover the causes, dangers, and potential liable parties.

Causes of Electrocution Accidents at Construction Sites

Multiple factors expose construction workers to electrocution risks. These include:

Harsh Weather Situations

Weather conditions like heavy rains and thunderstorms can lead to irregular electrical conductivity. This damages actively running electrical equipment and can cause a fire that may spread to nearby flammable materials like wires, plastics, and wood.

Working in Wet Sites

Wet conditions are a hazard on uninsulated surfaces, equipment and tools. Individuals without protective wear can suffer severe electric shocks, leading to various external and internal body injuries.

Overloaded Circuits

Having multiple machines connected leads to an overloaded circuit. It can blow up from the connection point or in the machine’s main system, seriously hurting the operator.

Defective Equipment and Tools

Construction workers and sites are notorious for having DIY connections for defective tools and equipment. Instead of DIY fixes, management should have the tools checked by professionals or get new ones to avoid electrocution accidents.

Exposed and Unsafe Wiring

Exposed wires are common when installing wires or demolishing a house. They pose a risk for unaware workers when they lack proper protective gear.

Other Causes of Construction Site Electrocutions

Here are other leading causes of electrocution accidents:

• Overhead and buried electrical cables
• Gas-powered engines
• Moving trucks and heavy machinery
• Improper placement of electrical tools

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Electrocution Injuries/Damages at Construction Sites

Usually, electrocution accidents caused by high voltage are severe. However, you might escape with minor injuries when following the right protective measures.

Here are the different electrocution injuries occurring at construction sites:

Arc Flash Burns

An arc flash occurs when current flows between two conductors, leading to an explosive release of energy. It produces intense heat and pressure, which can severely burn an individual. Also, it can ignite a subject’s clothes, further escalating the situation if they are near other flammable objects.

Internal Organ Damage

High-voltage electrocution can severely damage your internal organs. It causes heart attacks/cardiac arrests, which need immediate medical attention. Your central nervous system is also at risk, exposing you to possible future health issues.

Physical Injuries from Falls

Electrocution could lead to falls. You can hit heavy machinery near you, leading to bone fractures or head/facial injuries. This can get worse if you work from high points. The fall plus an electrocution could lead to paralysis.

Psychological Trauma

An electrocution can be traumatizing due to the recovery experience and injuries sustained. Victims go through extended periods of recovery or suffer long-term injuries. For instance, burns may leave scars, constantly reminding you of the incident.

At Fault Parties in Electrocution Cases at Construction Sites

Considering the complexity of construction site cases, different at-fault individuals/groups are liable to pay you. A lawyer can help determine the neglectful party and get necessary compensation, even in cases where you lose your job or have the capability to work again.

Here are potential liable groups/individuals:

• Neglectful workers who might have left wires exposed or unattended.
• Employers who don’t offer crucial training on handling the site’s electrical tools and equipment.
• Building/homeowners.
• Manufacturers of defective tools and equipment.

Conclusion

Given the adverse effects of electrocutions, it’s crucial for the responsible parties to apply protective measures. This includes investing in quality construction gear like gloves, helmets, and boots.

If you’re unfortunately affected, contact a credible attorney to help you hold the potentially liable party accountable and get compensation for your losses.

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