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Workplace Injury: Electrocution

Common Causes for Electrical Injury

Unfortunately, workers in the construction field often suffer electric shock injuries during their work. The most common reason for electric injuries is contact with the electric current of a machine, tool, appliance, or light fixture. The second common reason is contact with wiring, transformers, or other electrical components, but other causes include contact with power lines and unspecified electric currents. Some employees receive injuries from work performed inappropriately on energized equipment, but sometimes company deadlines and demands cause employees to take shortcuts when completing projects, ultimately causing the injuries.

National Electrical Code

Workers may not be aware that states require companies to comply with the National Electrical Code, which codifies the minimum requirements for safe Workplace Injury: Electrocutionelectrical installations in a single, standardized source. The NEC sets the foundation for electrical safety in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies, and company protocols that fail to align with the NEC are considered illegal. The NEC consists of nineteen code-making panels and a technical correlating committee. To ensure safety guidelines are up to date with the latest technology, the organization’s policies undergo revision every three years.

Preventing Electrical Injuries

There are certain safety measures that construction workers—and any other employees completing electrical work—can take to avoid electric injuries. Because a considerable amount of electrocutions are caused by contact with power lines, it’s essential that employees be continually aware of these lines locations on the site and complete the following steps:

  • An employee should keep ladders, power tools, and their bodies at least ten feet away from power lines while working
  • If an object comes close to or touches a power line, do not touch that object
  • Low voltage does not mean low hazard
  • Be sure to inspect all power tool cords before using them. Any damaged wires must be labeled unusable and repaired by a professional
  • Be sure to unplug tools before cleaning or fixing them
  • Do not use a plug if the ground prongs are removed
  • Be sure to keep any work area dry when working. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination

What to Do if You’re Injured on the Job

Although electrocution are not always fatal, they can result in lifelong injuries, such as organ problems, cognitive problems, disfigurement, sensory issues, and burn injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, some employees may qualify for temporary or permanent disability. If an employee suffers fatal injuries, then the employee’s family can receive death benefits.

At Los Angeles Injury Group, our attorneys have years of experience helping clients receive the maximum amount of workers’ compensation for electric injuries. We understand that electrical injuries are extremely dangerous and may require prolonged medical treatment. Therefore, we do everything within our power to ensure our clients receive proper compensation for their injuries. Although employers are required by law to cover work injury expenses, some employers fail to provide sufficient funding. If you, or someone you know received electric injuries, call (310) 954-7248 for a free consultation.

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fast settlements / speak to a lawyer today / free phone consultation

Workplace Injury: Electrocution

Common Causes for Electrical Injury

Unfortunately, workers in the construction field often suffer electric shock injuries during their work. The most common reason for electric injuries is contact with the electric current of a machine, tool, appliance, or light fixture. The second common reason is contact with wiring, transformers, or other electrical components, but other causes include contact with power lines and unspecified electric currents. Some employees receive injuries from work performed inappropriately on energized equipment, but sometimes company deadlines and demands cause employees to take shortcuts when completing projects, ultimately causing the injuries.

National Electrical Code

Workers may not be aware that states require companies to comply with the National Electrical Code, which codifies the minimum requirements for safe Workplace Injury: Electrocutionelectrical installations in a single, standardized source. The NEC sets the foundation for electrical safety in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies, and company protocols that fail to align with the NEC are considered illegal. The NEC consists of nineteen code-making panels and a technical correlating committee. To ensure safety guidelines are up to date with the latest technology, the organization’s policies undergo revision every three years.

Preventing Electrical Injuries

There are certain safety measures that construction workers—and any other employees completing electrical work—can take to avoid electric injuries. Because a considerable amount of electrocutions are caused by contact with power lines, it’s essential that employees be continually aware of these lines locations on the site and complete the following steps:

  • An employee should keep ladders, power tools, and their bodies at least ten feet away from power lines while working
  • If an object comes close to or touches a power line, do not touch that object
  • Low voltage does not mean low hazard
  • Be sure to inspect all power tool cords before using them. Any damaged wires must be labeled unusable and repaired by a professional
  • Be sure to unplug tools before cleaning or fixing them
  • Do not use a plug if the ground prongs are removed
  • Be sure to keep any work area dry when working. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination

What to Do if You’re Injured on the Job

Although electrocution are not always fatal, they can result in lifelong injuries, such as organ problems, cognitive problems, disfigurement, sensory issues, and burn injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, some employees may qualify for temporary or permanent disability. If an employee suffers fatal injuries, then the employee’s family can receive death benefits.

At Los Angeles Injury Group, our attorneys have years of experience helping clients receive the maximum amount of workers’ compensation for electric injuries. We understand that electrical injuries are extremely dangerous and may require prolonged medical treatment. Therefore, we do everything within our power to ensure our clients receive proper compensation for their injuries. Although employers are required by law to cover work injury expenses, some employers fail to provide sufficient funding. If you, or someone you know received electric injuries, call (310) 954-7248 for a free consultation.


Note for the readers: This post has been derived from the use of secondary sources and the information provided has not been independently confirmed. The photos depicted in these posts are not representative of the actual accident.  Any inaccuracies will be swiftly corrected once they have been brought to the site’s attention and all requests to remove posts will be honored.

Disclaimer: This post is intended to provide general information to our readers and to honor the victims of everyday tragedies. We do not wish to cause any disrespect and none of the information contained in this post should be construed to constitute legal or medical advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and cases often turn on minor differences In fact. Do not rely exclusively on any of the information contained in this post and seek further assistance from a legal or medical professional, where necessary.

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