Handling Common Electrical Hazards at Work

Electrical accidents can lead to both non-fatal and fatal injuries. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), there were over 2,000 non-fatal electrical injuries in 2017. If you or someone you know was injured in an electrical accident at work, you may need to contact a Workers’ Compensation lawyer. There are many electrical hazards that employees should look out for when on the job, these include the following:

• Damaged Equipment: It is important to make sure you know how to recognize damaged equipment. You should check for cracks, as well as damaged cords. Damaged equipment should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid injuries.
• Exposed electrical parts: Exposed electrical parts can cause burns and shock ranging from mild to severe. To avoid these injuries, electrical parts should be secured with the proper guarding mechanism.
• Damaged insulation: To avoid injuries caused by damaged insulation, turn off all power and replace the damaged insulation as soon as possible.
• Overhead power lines: Overhead power lines have the potential to cause severe burns to employees. To avoid these injuries, it is important to maintain a safe distance from power lines.
• Inadequate wiring: Electrical fires can be caused by using inappropriately sized wiring. You should also avoid overloading an outlet.

Utilizing the Hierarchy of Controls

• Elimination: This involves physically removing the hazard and is the most effective safety precaution.
• Substitution: This involves replacing the safety hazard with something that does not produce a hazard.
• Engineered controls: This keep the hazard away from employees using a physical barrier.
• Administrative controls: This involves implementing policies and employee training that change the way people work in the facility. Other administrative controls include procedural changes and warning signs.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This includes protective clothing and equipment that limit employee injuries. PPE includes protective gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots.

Workers’ Compensation for Electrical Accidents

Workers’ Compensation provides benefits to employees who suffered a job-related illness or injury. Workers’ Compensation covers most workplace injuries. However, if an employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the injury took place, they will not be covered by Workers’ Compensation. Also, if the injury was self-inflicted or if the employee was violating a company policy when the injury took place, they typically will not be covered.

Bucks County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. Represent Clients Injured in Electrical Accidents

Electrical accidents can be fatal. If you or someone you know was injured in an electrical accident on the job, contact a Bucks County Workers’ Compensation lawyer at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. Our lawyers will fight for your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 888-999-1962. Located in Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and Pinehurst, North Carolina, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania.