For most of us, electrocution is not a danger we regularly concern ourselves
with. However, some professionals are regularly exposed to electric hazards, and
construction workers, in particular, are at tremendous risk of harmful, even fatal
electrocutions. Below, we take a closer look at these workplace
injuries and what can be done to hold those responsible accountable.
How Construction Site Electrocution Occurs
Construction workers face many different hazards while on the job, but
few of them are as potentially harmful as electrocution. In fact, OSHA
(the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) considers electrocution
one of its "fatal four" hazards for construction workers and
estimates that in 2014 these incidents accounted for more than 8% of all
construction worker fatalities nationwide.
Construction site electrocutions occur due to:
- Unintended contact with underground/overhead power lines
- Unintended contact with conductors
- Contact with live machinery
- Faulty or improperly installed electrical wiring or equipment
- Failure or lack of ground fault circuit interrupters
Who Is Responsible?
Some
workplace accidents are the result of human error, but others are due to a failure to meet
safety standards and provide workers with the tools, training, and resources
they need. In 2015, OSHA found that live wiring and machinery violations
were among the most common found on construction sites.
In these cases, the victims should not have to bear the pain and expenses
of their injury alone. Employers and manufacturers need to be held accountable
for their lack of vigilance or negligence on these construction sites
and provide injured workers and bereaved families the relief they deserve.
Have you been injured or lost a loved one in an electrocution accident?
If so, you may have legal options to seek compensation. At the
Law Office of James M. Stanley, our
Fort Worth personal injury attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for clients who have been hurt due
to the irresponsibility of others. We're ready to hear your story
and assess your legal options.
Contact our firm today to get started.