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Preventing Electrical Accidents on Job Sites
Implement Safe Work Practices
It's important always to practice safe work tactics when working with electricity. This includes planning work and safety in advance, wearing proper PPE, using and maintaining the right tools for the job, avoiding overhead powerlines, using proper wiring and connectors and avoiding wet working conditions and other hazards.
Steps to Take Following an Electricity-Related Accident
Should a worker suffer an electric shock or burn on the job, it is critical that management and fellow workers follow emergency protocol to help the injured worker and prevent other injuries from occurring.
First, shut off the electrical current if the worker is still in contact with the energized circuit. While doing so, have one of the other people on the job site call 911 immediately. If the switchgear is not readily in reach, consider moving them away from the current with an object that does not conduct electricity, like dry wood. Never touch the injured worker directly if they are still in contact with the electrical current, as the electricity can pass from one person to another, causing multiple people to suffer injuries. If possible, try not to leave the injured worker and stay with them until the emergency medical technicians arrive.
Next, if it is determined that the worker is no longer in contact with the electrical current, call out to them to see if they are awake. If the worker is conscious, tell them not to move. Initially, an injured worker may be in shock and unaware of how serious their injuries are. Check for signs of bleeding on the worker. For wounds that have a lot of bleeding, put a cloth over the area and apply pressure. If the wound is on the arm or leg and is excessively bleeding, elevate the injured limb while keeping pressure on the wound.
If the worker is not conscious, check if they are breathing, taking care to move them as little as possible. If they are not breathing, have someone that is CPR-trained start artificial breathing and then check for a pulse. Continue CPR until the worker begins breathing or emergency services arrive.
Following a workplace accident, a worker may be able to recover benefits for medical bills and reimbursement for a portion of lost wages by filing a workers’ compensation claim. If the worker is injured as a result of a third party’s negligence, outside of an employer or co-worker, the injured worker may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party to recover financial losses, disability coverage, medical expenses and pain and suffering damages. Should a worker wish to pursue a personal injury claim, they may benefit from seeking the legal advice of a lawyer.
Unfortunately, accidents on the job involving electricity are common and can result in serious, life-altering injuries, so it’s important to take steps to mitigate these risks. While employers and managers should set the standard of safety on job sites, both management and workers can work together to implement safety tactics on the job and follow proper procedures following a workplace accident.
About the Author
David H. Perecman, Founder and Lead Trial Attorney of The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., has dedicated over 40 years of his life to advocating for personal injury plaintiffs in New York City and Long Island. Since 1983, the firm has recovered over half a billion dollars in high-stakes personal injury litigation involving catastrophic construction accidents, motor vehicle and premises accidents, civil rights violations, and medical negligence. This year, in recognition of his groundbreaking work in and out of the courtroom, Perecman has been named a Best Lawyers® 2022 Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs “Lawyer of the Year” awardee in Long Island, NY.