Common Causes of On-the-Job Injuries for Electricians
Electricians must have special training and skills to safely perform their work. However, even the best highly trained electrician is vulnerable to on-the-job hazards that could result in injury or death. We will review common electrician injuries and how to minimize risk.
Common Electrician Injuries
Luckily, electricians do have options for monetary compensation or work-injury benefits to guarantee that a workplace accident doesn’t lead to financial devastation. Speak to an electrician insurance agent to understand these benefits and protections and consider the following risks that electricians face on a regular basis.
Electrical Shock
Electricians are subject to very dangerous and sometimes even fatal electrical shocks. These types of injuries easily happen when handling electrical wire or equipment if the individual becomes exposed to a certain amount of current. For instance, contact with a current above 75 mA will cause a rapid, ineffective heartbeat, and death can occur within just a few minutes.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns that 75 mA is not very much current. Even a small power drill uses 30 times as much current. Most non-fatal shocks occur to the hands and immediate medical attention is needed to treat any electrical shock and prevent permanent damage.
Burns
Working with electricity may lead to electrical burns from direct interaction with current or thermal burns from arc flashes and blasts. These flashes occur from powerful, high-amperage currents traveling through the air. An arc flash causes the temperature to raise as high as 36,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, a fatal burn can take place within seconds.
Falls
Electrical workers commonly fall from ladders or other heights while performing wiring tasks. The falls may be due to an initial injury, as well. For instance, exposure to an electrical current can lead to the worker jolting and then falling.
Overexertion
Electricians also suffer from repetitive stress or overexertion injuries to the back, knees, fingers and hands that may come from:
- Forcefully operating tools
- Repetitive bending or stooping
- Poor hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder positioning
- Remaining in the same position for an extended amount of time
- Holding vibrating tools
- Applying continuous pressure to the body
A repetitive stress or overexertion injury can be just as serious as those resulting from other accidents, as these, too, can end your career and greatly impact the quality of life.
Post Injury
As you know, being an electrician can be physically demanding and full of risks. A single workplace injury can result in the need to take time off or to change careers altogether. Financial stress while covering medical bills arising from injuries is a real concern for many individuals in this line of work. Your electrician liability insurance agent can assist you in your efforts to protect yourself and your business.
About Daniels Insurance, Inc.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that businesses like yours face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.