Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

The use of electricity is an integral part of our daily lives. We rely heavily on electricity, from appliances to computers to the use of electrical power lines. The month of May is National Electrical Safety Month, where we remind ourselves that we still need to practice safe habits when using electricity and to raise awareness to prevent avoidable electrical accidents.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is a non-profit organization that promotes electrical safety at home and in the workplace. They share data on certain industries so that employers know where to educate their employees more on electrical hazards, and to allocate funding for safety in different areas.

The ESFI and Workplace Statistics

Between the years 2003 and 2017, the ESFI reveals that electrical injuries are the 6^th most common cause of workplace fatalities. They had also found that 54 percent of electrical fatalities occurred in the construction industry, with the utility industry having a slightly higher rate of workplace death over the construction industry. Furthermore, the ESFI found that younger workers have a higher chance of suffering an electrical injury than their older counterparts. Research and data show that electrical safety awareness is a must, especially in the workplace.

Electrical injuries range in severity from burns and shocks to fatal electrocutions. Most electrical injuries are not fatal, with shocks being reported at a higher rate than burns. According to the ESFI, in 2017, the construction industry saw their workers suffer the most non-fatal electrical injuries at 16 percent, followed by real estate workers and industrial or technical workers.

Safety Tips

During National Electrical Safety Month, workers and homeowners should educate and remind themselves of the dangers of electricity. The following are a few safety tips everyone could use to prevent electrical injuries at home or at work:

The use of extension cords is meant to be temporary. Always use a surge-protector if you need more electrical outlets, and always check cords for fraying and replace if necessary.
Never touch downed power lines and call 911 if you see one. It is impossible to tell if a downed wire is live, so just stay away from downed lines altogether and get help.
Keep all electrical tools or appliances away from water, and never touch an electrical unit if they are exposed to water. Shut off the breaker before handling any such situation and remove it from the water.
Keep an eye out for flickering lights, exposed wires or even outlets that are no longer working. Sometimes, a small problem can lead to a bigger more dangerous issue. Contact a licensed electrical contractor to resolve those issues.
Use outlet covers, and make sure only electrical cords go into outlets.
Be careful when working around power lines, working on a roof or using a ladder. Avoid planting trees or shrubs directly under a power line.

Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. Help Those Injured in Electrical Accidents at Work

The use of electricity is an important part of our daily lives, particularly for those working in industries where exposure to electricity and its use is a must. If you have suffered an electrical injury at work, contact the Philadelphia work accident lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. Our experienced and knowledgeable lawyers will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 888-999-1962 or complete our online contact form for a free consultation. From our offices in Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and Pinehurst, North Carolina, we represent injured workers throughout the surrounding areas.