If you work as an electrician, it is extremely important to have a thorough understanding of the electrical hazards you face at work (and other risk factors that could lead to serious injuries). In addition, it is important to go over electrical hazards if you work in another construction field, and employees in other occupations (such as those employed in offices) can become electrocuted on the job as well.
Regrettably, electrical accidents account for many injuries and even deaths.
Identifying electrical risks at work
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration goes over different risk factors that workers face as a result of electricity. Those who work with electricity frequently, such as electricians and engineers, face an especially high chance of sustaining an injury due to an electrical accident. For example, a worker could become hurt while working on an overhead power line or circuit assemblies.
It is also important to keep in mind that those who indirectly work around electricity could become hurt as well, such as an office worker suffering electrical shock while using equipment or an outlet. The incorrect use of extension cords and accidentally contacting overhead lines account for many electrical accidents.
The aftermath of an electrical accident
If you become involved in an electrical accident, you could face various hardships. For example, electrical shock could have caused you to fall off of a ladder and become seriously hurt, or you could face challenges due to a burn. Electrical accidents can cause a number of concerning heart problems, and these incidents sometimes prove fatal.
If an electrical accident at work left you injured, look into strategies to recover, such as the possibility of workers’ compensation.