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Electrocutions are far more common than many people realize, in fact, they are one of the leading causes of death amongst construction workers. According to the Department of Labor, every year in the United States almost 1,000 people are killed from having contact with an electrical source. In addition to that, 31000 people suffer electrical burns each year. Electrical injuries happen for numerous reasons, from improper building wiring to the result of defective products. While we see the majority of electrocutions and electrical accidents take place on construction worksites, these types of injuries can also happen at home and in other settings.
The human body is an excellent conductor of electricity, which is why we see cases of people getting struck by lightning and electrocuted from other sources on a pretty regular basis. While there are certainly freak accidents that are unavoidable, there are thankfully things we can do in order to prevent electrical shock injuries and electrocution in general.
How to Prevent Electrocutions
The number one way to prevent electrocution accidents – especially in the workplace – is by developing strong safety guidelines and making sure all employees are properly trained in safety. Furthermore, it is imperative that construction workers receive training on power lines and have a good understanding of how to assess the potential risk of electrocution or electrical shock. Here are a few tips for how to prevent these types of accidents from occurring:
Make sure you never use electrical appliances near water; do not use appliances with cracked or worn plugs or wires; and unplug all electrical appliances when not in use
- If you see a downed power line, do NOT approach it or touch it
- Take shelter if you believe a storm is approaching in order to avoid being struck by lightning
- Use sliding outlet covers if you have young children at home
- Keep pets and children away from power cords, as chewing or pulling on them could result in electrocution
Common Injuries From Electrocution and Electrical Shock
There are many different things that can happen when someone sustains an electrical shock, ranging from minor burns to cardiac arrest. Here is a look at some of the most common injuries from electrical shock and electrocution:
- Severe burns to the skin and tissue under the skin
- Nerve and tissue damage from electrical currents
- Spinal cord injury from the electrical shock passing through the entire body
- Fractures from being thrown off ladders, scaffolding, or high buildings
- Breathing problems or respiratory arrest
- Kidney damage
- Muscle injuries
- Ruptured eardrums
- Cataracts
- Research shows that cataracts may appear months later in 6% of all electrocution cases
- Concussion
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Amnesia
- Seizures
These are just a handful of the most common injuries associated with electrical shock. There are numerous different factors that may contribute to how severe an electrocution is, including the type of electrical current and amount of voltage. If you or a loved one has been involved in an electrical shock accident or has been electrocuted while working, please contact Rad Law Firm today. Our Dallas workplace accident lawyers are here for you and are prepared to answer any questions you may have.
