Power Line Accidents (Electrocution & Serious Shock Injury)

23 Sep Power Line Accidents (Electrocution & Serious Shock Injury)

Injuries and Fatalities Resulting from Power Line Accidents

Power line accidents are a serious danger among Texas utility workers, but unfortunately, they are not the only ones who can suffer from these types of accidents. Because of their occasional proximity to power lines, these types of accidents can also happen to roofers, tree trimmers, construction workers, and other similar professions. Power line accidents often result in serious injury and even death.

Statistics of Power Line Accidents

The Electrical Safety Foundation International developed data concerning occupational electrical injuries within the major industries and occupations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The information covered the period beginning in 2003 and ending in 2010.

What the Safety Foundation discovered was of the 42,882 occupational fatalities that occurred during the eight year period, 1,738 involved contact with electrical current. The industries with the highest number of electrocution fatalities are as follows:

• Construction (849)
• Professional and business services (208)
• Trade, transportation, and utilities (182)
• Natural resources and mining (154)
• Manufacturing (137)

More than 32 percent of all electrical accidents occurred in just five occupations within the constructions trades: electricians, construction laborers, roofers, painters, and carpenters. Additionally, electrical power line installers accounted for eight percent, and tree trimmers accounted for another five percent. There were a total of 163 electrical fatalities in 2010.

Prevention of Power Line Injury and Electrocution

There are safe techniques a company can to employ when they have employees working near overhead power lines in order to prevent accidents and fatalities. One of the most important actions for a company to employ is to de-energize the lines. It is also important to always maintain a safe distance from any energized lines, install proper guarding, and make certain to have an observer on the ground.

The idea of having someone on the ground was developed after a “toolbox talk,” and came from the crew providing the input. They expressed the belief that any time workers are involved with man lifts in a location close to open electrical power lines, that there should be someone else on the ground monitoring that worker’s activity.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a power line accident, you really need to speak with a Texas personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A personal injury lawyer can help you defend your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve, so make sure to speak to a personal injury attorney today.