Electrical Construction Accidents

Electrical Injuries
Between 1992 and 2002, more than 1,500 construction workers died in electrocution construction accidents. Electrical hazards are the third leading source of fatal injuries among construction workers and one of every eight construction industry deaths was electrical in origin. Nearly one-half of all on-the-job electrical deaths occurred in the construction industry.
Electrical accidents can be divided into three different categories. The leading cause of electrical deaths in the construction industry (740 deaths between 1992 and 2002) is contact with overhead power lines. The second leading cause (487 deaths over this period) is contact with live wiring, transformers, and other electrical apparatus. The third most common cause (163 deaths over this period) is contact with electric current from machine, tool, appliance, or lighting fixture while engaged in other work activities.
The following hazards are the most frequent cause of electrical shocks and injuries:
- Contact with power lines
- Lack of ground-fault protection
- Path to ground missing or discontinuous
- Equipment not used in manner prescribed
- Improper use of extension and flexible cords
When they do not result in death, electrocution construction accidents can result in external and internal electrical burns, and ventricular fibrillation (heart stoppage) that can lead to brain damage. Victims of non-fatal electrical accidents may need specialized treatment and long-term care to recover.
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