Electrical injuries can be serious and even fatal. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), in 2018, nearly one in ten workplace electrical injuries were fatal, and more than half of these occurred in the construction industry. As an issue that affects all occupational sectors in some capacity, not just construction, the dangers posed by electrical hazards must be recognized and appropriate precautions taken to prevent electrical-related injuries on the job.
In recognition of National Electrical Safety Month, both employers and workers should be aware of the necessary steps to take should an on-the-job accident occur, and understand the process to file a workers' compensation claim or pursue a personal injury lawsuit if the injury was caused by third-party negligence. Given the potential for life-threatening injuries, all workers, managers, and owners need to have a healthy respect for electricity.