Construction work is one of the most dangerous professions in the country. Workers perform physically demanding jobs with hazardous equipment and chemicals while often exposed to the elements. Electrical hazards are also common in the construction industry. Exposure to electricity causes injuries ranging from minor superficial burns to organ failure and even death.

After electrical workers, construction laborers suffer the most electrocutions on the job every year. The main cause of electrical accidents among non-electrical workers is contact with overhead power lines. Workers in contact with ladders, cranes, lifts, trucks, or metal poles that come in contact with live power lines can be electrocuted immediately. This is often the result of a failure to de-energize power lines, secure them, or maintain a safe distance from them.

Other common causes of electrical injuries include:

• Contact with cords and equipment touching water
• Contact with energized equipment and vehicles
• Contact with underground power lines
• Defective power and extension cords
• Problems with temporary electrical service at the job site
• Wiring or battery defects

Preventing Construction Electrical Injuries

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has clear and current standards and regulations to keep America’s workers safe on a construction site. Employers and construction site managers are required to adhere to OSHA regulations or face fines and other penalties for non-compliance.

In addition to standardized safety regulations, employee training is key to preventing electrical injuries and other work-related accidents. Workers must understand the inherent risk of working with electrical equipment in proximity to power lines and other live wires.

Other basic construction site safety tips include:

• Check extension and power cords daily for wear and tear
• Ensure tools and machinery are double insulated or properly grounded
• Keep metal objects away from live circuits
• Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines
• Unplug tools and machinery before inspecting or repairing

Employers are required to provide Workers’ Compensation benefits for construction workers who are injured on the job or develop a work-related illness. Some workers are also entitled to additional benefits from third parties, including property owners who create an unsafe working environment or companies that manufacture defective or hazardous equipment. Some employees and insurers will challenge injuries that are not easily traced to a job incident. For this reason, it is smart to contact a qualified construction accident lawyer after an electrical accident to discuss your legal options.

Delaware Construction Accident Lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow Fight for Injured Workers in Delaware

Electrical accidents among construction workers can leave devastating and even fatal injuries. Even if your actions somehow contributed to your injuries, you may still be entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits to alleviate your medical costs and lost wages. Because work injury claims have strict time limits, it is crucial to contact a Delaware construction accident lawyer at Rhodes & Morrow immediately after an accident to protect your rights to benefits. To schedule a free initial consultation, call 302-427-9500 or contact us online today. With locations in Wilmington, Bear, and Milford, Delaware, we are proud to serve clients throughout the state, including those in New Castle County and Sussex County.