Most Common Causes For Electrocution

This article was updated: Feb. 2nd, 2023

The human body conducts electricity very well. This means that electricity can actually pass throughout the human body. Direct contact with electricity can cause serious health problems in various parts of the body including the brain, muscles, and even the heart. A study that was conducted recently by the National Institute for Occupation Safety and Health (NIOSH) found out that from 2010 to 2015, there were 3,378 workers who died as a result of electrocution. That means that at least one worker dies each day as result of electrocution. This number has resulted in electricity being ranked fourth in causes for injury-related occupational deaths. So the big question is, what are the most common causes for electrocution? In this article, our work injury lawyers are going to answer his question to help you know more about causes of electrocution.

Lack of proper insulation

Lack of proper insulation material on an electrical wire is one of the main causes of electrocution. Naked wires pose a great danger to workers. A study that was conducted by an independent institution revealed that about 17% of all electrocution cases are a result of poor insulation. Workers who have been injured as a result of negligence on the employer side have the right to file for a lawsuit and demand compensation for damages caused.

Direct contact with energized equipment

Direct contact with energized equipment has caused many deaths and injuries. In fact, almost 22% of all electrocution cases are caused when a worker comes into contact with an energized equipment. The law demands that the employer must ensure that all equipment that depends on electricity to operate is kept far from workers. However, that is not always the case. Many cases have been reported with workers being electrocuted as a result of being in contact with energized equipment.

Lack of proper safety gears

Lack of proper safety gears among employees is also one of the main contributing factors of electrocution. Workers have a right to perform their work with proper safety gears. However, some employers are usually reluctant to ensure that their workers have the right safety gears when performing their work. As a result, some of them usually fall victim to electrocution. Research has shown that lack of proper safety gears amounts to 20% of all electrocution cases.

Improperly installed or damaged equipment

Damaged or improperly installed equipment can cause electrocution injuries in a variety of ways. For instance, if the frame of a piece of electrical equipment does not have a grounding conductor to divert dangerous fault current to the ground, anyone who will touch that equipment will risk being electrocuted. In addition to electrocution, improperly installed equipment can also cause a fire that can pose an even greater danger to workers.

Overall, electrocution is increasingly becoming common. Unfortunately, negligence from both employers and sometimes the employees have been named as one of the main contributing factors of injury. If you have been electrocuted or you know of a person who has been electrocuted as a result of negligence, you need to speak with an experienced work injury attorney immediately who will fight for your right to compensation for damages that you have succumbed.

For more information on this topic, please see: The Different Types of Electrical Injuries