Most people don’t show up to their New York jobs expecting workplace accidents to happen. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for hundreds of thousands of workers each year in this state. While workplace injuries can happen in many ways, one of the most dangerous injury types involves electricity.
What occupations are at risk for electrical injuries?
It’s understandable to assume that electricians are the only adults who work with electricity. But that’s only sometimes the case. Employees in the following lines of work also risk suffering from workplace injuries involving electricity:
- HVAC service employees
- Tree service workers
- Machinery repairers
- Roofers
- Telecommunication professionals
What kinds of damage do electrical injuries cause?
Injuries caused by exposure to electricity range in terms of severity. Minor electrical injuries might only cause a few moments of pain. More severe electrical injuries can cause vision loss, seizures, neurological difficulties, permanent disfigurement and death.
It’s also important to note that electrical injuries can be just the start of a workplace incident. For example, employees working at high elevations could suffer fatal injuries if a shock causes them to fall from their work areas. With the possibility of workers suffering severe injuries after exposure to electricity, many of these instances often turn into workers’ compensation claims.
Avoiding injuries involving electricity
One of the best ways to avoid electrical injuries is by thoroughly checking your work area before work starts. You also never want to be near water while working with electricity. It’s also imperative to ensure you’re not wearing or using non-conductive tools.
After an electrical injury happens in the workplace, nearby workers or witnesses should immediately contact emergency services. The victim must also file a report detailing their injuries as soon as is reasonably possible.