Electrocution and Electrical Shocks on Construction Sites [2024 Guide] | Examining Sources & Electrical Safety Standards

Understanding Electrical Shock Injuries

Electric shock injuries occur when a person comes into contact with a live electrical source.

Depending on the voltage and duration of exposure, an electric shock injury can result in a wide range of physical and neurological damage.

These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

This hazard is present in residential, commercial, and occupational places, making it a major concern for workers and individuals.

What Causes Electrical Shock?

An electric shock occurs when a person makes skin contact with a violent electrical source, sending a sudden surge of electrical current through the body, which causes a shock.

The severity of the shock depends on several factors:

• Voltage: A high voltage electrical energy can cause more severe injuries.
• Current: The amount of electrical current (measured in amperes) influences the damage; even a low current can be dangerous.
• Pathway: The electrical current’s route through the body affects the outcome. A path through vital organs like the heart or brain is more dangerous.
• Duration: The length of time the body is in contact with the electrical source increases the potential for severe injury.
• Resistance: The body’s resistance to the electrical current, which varies based on skin condition (wet or dry) and clothing, affects the severity of the shock.

Electric Shock Symptoms

Symptoms of electric shock may vary depending on the severity and duration of the electrical current exposure.

The greater the voltage and duration of contact, the more severe the symptoms.

Common signs of electric shock include:

• Burns on the skin or inside the body
• Tingling or numbness in the affected area
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle contractions and spasms
• Irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest

If someone is experiencing these symptoms after coming into contact with an electrical source, turn off the power source and seek immediate medical attention.

Different Types of Electrical Injuries

Experts categorize electric shock injuries in different ways.

Different types of electrical injuries can include:

• Flash
• Flame
• Lightning
• True

Flash

Flash injuries occur without the electrical current entering the body and are caused by the heat generated from an electrical arc, which can result in superficial electrical burns.

A person standing near a high-voltage electrical source might experience severe burns on their skin from the intense heat of the arc, even without direct contact with the electricity.

Flash electric injuries are often treatable, but they can be life-threatening depending on the severity of the burns and the location of the injury.

Flame

Flame injuries are similar to flash injuries, but they result in more severe burns.

They occur when the heat from an electrical arc ignites clothing or other flammable materials, causing a fire.

Flame burns can also lead to significant scarring and disfigurement from third-degree burns, as well as long-term physical and psychological trauma for the victim.

Lightning

Lightning injuries are a type of high-voltage injury caused by intense lightning strikes.

Due to the extremely high voltage and current, these injuries are typically severe.

They can result in multiple organ damage, cardiac arrest, neurological deficits, and deep burns.

An example is a person struck by lightning during a storm, which can cause severe burns, internal injuries, and neurological impairment.

True

Electrocution or true electrical shock injuries occur when the current enters and passes through the body, affecting vital organs like the heart and brain.

These types of injuries are often fatal or cause significant long-term damage.

Examples include a person coming into direct contact with live wires or accidentally touching exposed electrical equipment.

The Health Implications of Electric Shocks

Understanding and addressing the multifaceted impacts of electric shock injuries is crucial for effective treatment and rehabilitation.

Immediate medical intervention can save lives and mitigate short-term damage, while long-term care plans are essential for managing chronic conditions and improving the quality of life for survivors.

Immediate or Short-Term Impacts

The immediate effects of electric shock injuries can be potentially fatal, depending on the severity of the shock.

Immediate effects include:

• Cardiac Arrest: Electric shock can cause immediate cardiac arrest, mainly if the current passes through the heart. This condition requires immediate CPR and defibrillation.
• Burns: Entry and exit wounds are common, with the potential for deep tissue burns that need emergency care.
• Respiratory Arrest: High-voltage shocks can cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles, necessitating urgent medical intervention to restore breathing.
• Neurological Effects: Immediate effects include seizures, loss of consciousness, and confusion due to the disruption of neural pathways.
• Muscle Damage: Severe contractions can result in muscle tears and damage, potentially leading to a condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle breakdown products enter the bloodstream, risking kidney damage.

Long-Term or Permanent Impacts

If the victim survives the initial injury, the electric shock may imprint long-lasting or permanent effects.

Effects can include:

• Heart Issues: Long-term impacts on the heart include arrhythmias and other persistent heart conditions, affecting the individual’s ability to perform physical activities.
• Chronic Pain: Persistent pain from nerve damage or scar tissue formation at burn sites can significantly impact quality of life.
• Neurological Deficits: Prolonged exposure to electric shocks can result in permanent nerve damage, leading to chronic pain, loss of sensation, and motor function impairment.
• Psychological Impacts: Survivors often experience psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and cognitive dysfunctions, which can hinder their ability to work and interact socially.
• Muscle Loss: Severe electric shocks can lead to significant muscle loss, which can impact an individual’s mobility and independence.

Electric Hazards in Construction Sites

Electrical hazards are a significant concern in the construction industry due to the nature of the work, which often involves exposure to high-voltage equipment and power sources.

A common picture of a busy construction site includes a weave of active electrical power lines, a thick electrical cord, and an eager worker scaling scaffolding to install wiring or fix a lighting fixture.

There’s always an electrical source in every corner, exacerbating the risk of electric shock.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) named the five most common causes of electrical injuries in the construction industry.

Direct Contact With Power Lines

Direct contact with power lines is one of the most dangerous electrical hazards in construction.

This direct exposure can occur when workers handle highly volatile equipment, scaffolding, or materials near overhead power lines.

When construction workers work on an elevated surface, such as in cranes or scaffoldings, they can accidentally touch power lines, sending a high voltage shock all over the body.

This accident can also occur when using elongated tools.

Direct contact with an active power line may result in flash, flame, or true electric shock injuries.

The injured worker may suffer from third-degree burns, chronic pain, or even death.

Lack of Ground-Fault Protection

Ground-fault protection is essential in preventing electric shock by shutting off the electric circuit when there is an imbalance between the incoming and outgoing current.

A lack of ground-fault protection can result in severe electrical injuries.

Construction sites often involve working with large volumes of water or in wet conditions, which increase the risk of ground faults.

Using tools and equipment with damaged insulation or exposed wires also exacerbates the risk.

Missing or Discontinuous Ground Path

The ground path provides a safe route for electrical currents to flow out of the circuit and into the ground, preventing injury.

Any interruption in this ground path can lead to an electric shock.

Construction sites are notorious for their chaotic environment, increasing the likelihood of damaged or disrupted wiring.

Improperly connected wires, loose connections, or missing grounding pins can create dangerous situations for everyone.

Improper Use of Extension Cords

Extension cords are commonly used on construction sites but can pose significant risks if misused.

One common way they’re improperly used is by overloading the cord with numerous devices.

Plugging too many devices into a single extension cord leads to overheating and potential fires.

Using cords with exposed wires or damaged insulation.

Exposed wires pose a risk of electrocution, while damaged insulation can cause sparks or fires.

Extension cords should also be placed in low-traffic areas to avoid tripping hazards and never run through walls, doorways, or windows.

Equipment Misuse

It’s common for construction workers to be resourceful and use tools and equipment for unintended purposes.

This practice can be hazardous, especially when it comes to electrical hazards.

Construction site managers or employers should ensure that all workers are trained on the proper use and safety precautions of every tool and equipment before allowing them to operate it.

Using tools for purposes other than their intended use can create a significant risk of electrical hazards, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.

Strategies To Prevent Electrical Accidents in Construction Sites

Ensuring a safe construction site environment requires proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with electrical hazards.

Employers play a crucial role in implementing and maintaining safety protocols.

From holding regular employee safety seminars and monthly inspections and maintenance to ensuring proper use of PPE and lockout procedures, managers should cover every ground to ensure safety.

Employee Education

Training workers on the risks associated with electrical equipment and safe handling practices is fundamental in preventing accidents.

Proper training ensures that workers are aware of potential hazards and know how to avoid them.

It’s critical to educate workers on identifying electrical hazards, such as exposed wires, overloaded circuits, and faulty equipment, especially if they will handle complicated construction devices.

Trainers should teach workers techniques for proper tool usage and keep an eye out for power lines.

Despite rampant safety efforts, accidents may still occur, so workers should know what to do in such situations.

Employers should hold regular seminars on first-aid or emergency responses for electrical accidents.

Regular Maintenance and Monitoring

Regular inspections and maintenance of electrical tools and equipment are essential to identify and rectify potential issues before they cause accidents.

Every construction site should have a maintenance and monitoring routine.

On a daily basis, the site manager should conduct visual inspections of tools and equipment to check for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cords, loose connections, and broken parts.

A manager or workers should perform regular operational tests to check for wear and tear.

This maintenance check could also identify defects that are easy to miss.

Lockout/Tagout Procedures

Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are critical for ensuring that machinery is properly shut off and not started up again before maintenance or repair work is completed.

This precaution prevents accidental energization and protects workers from unexpected electrical hazards.

A comprehensive LOTO procedure should contain these essential components:

• Energy Control Plan: Develop a comprehensive energy control plan that outlines the specific steps for locking out and tagging out equipment.
• Lockout Devices: Use lockout devices to physically isolate energy sources, such as switches, circuit breakers, and valves.
• Tagout Devices: Attach tagout devices to equipment to provide clear warnings and information about the machinery’s status.
• Training: Train workers on the proper procedures for applying and removing lockout/tagout devices.

Establish clear, written procedures for lockout/tagout and ensure they are easily accessible to all workers.

Use of PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) provides a critical layer of protection for workers exposed to electrical hazards.

PPE reduces the risk of injury from electric shocks, burns, and other hazards.

PPEs construction workers should have include:

• Rubber-Insulating Gloves: Protect hands from electrical currents and should be worn whenever working with or near electrical equipment.
• Rubber-Insulating Mats: Provide insulation from the ground and reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Protective Clothing: Flame-resistant clothing and arc-rated gear protect against burns from electrical arcs and flashes.
• Safety Goggles: Protect eyes from sparks, debris, and intense light from electrical arcs.

Ensure that PPE is readily available to all workers and that they are trained in its proper use and maintenance.

OSHA Guidelines for Occupational Electrical Hazards

OSHA has implemented a multitude of regulations and standards to protect workers from occupational electrical hazards.

One of the most commonly cited is 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2), which covers the employer’s liability to inform and train workers on potential hazards at the construction site.

Electrocution is also part of OSHA’s “Focus Four Hazards” in construction, which includes the four leading causes of construction worker fatalities.

According to the organization, wiring issues and the lack of proper lockout/tagout procedures are the most common violations related to electrical hazards in a construction environment.

Since direct contact is the leading cause of electrocution, OSHA has stipulated guidelines for maintaining proper clearances from power lines.

Workers should maintain a distance of at least 10 feet when working near power lines with less than 50kV and higher distances for higher voltages.

TorHoerman Law: Ensure Your Rights to a Safe Workplace

Electrocution in construction sites is not an isolated occurrence, and workers suffer from serious injuries or even death even with low voltage shocks.

Installing safety switches, having the emergency department on speed dial, and providing safety equipment should not be optional for employers.

Employees should report any violation of safety standards or workplace negligence to the appropriate organizations.

At TorHoerman Law, we advocate for workers’ rights and demand justice from employers who fail to provide a safe workplace.

Call us now to schedule a free consultation to learn about your occupation safety rights or if you or a loved one has been injured due to an electrocution accident.

You can also use our chatbot to perform a quick case evaluation.