If you are an electrician or you regularly work with electricity, odds are you’ve been shocked a time or two in your life. If you’re working with stronger currents, that voltage can cause permanent injury or even death. However, you may be surprised to learn that electrocution isn’t the only type of injury electricians suffer. In fact, injuries from electricity aren’t even the most common on-the-job injury for electricians or those who work with electricity. Today, we take a closer look at five common injuries that affect those in the electrical trade.
Electrical Injuries
Working with electricity is a dangerous job, but there are plenty of other ways to be injured on the job than through voltage alone. Here are some of the common injuries that leave electricians looking for injury compensation, and how you can protect against these injuries.
1. Falls – As we mentioned above, electrical injuries aren’t actually the most common source of injury among those in the electrical trade. Falls are actually the most common injury. Think about it. Most power lines are above ground, meaning electricians need to work from a lift in order to repair damaged power lines. Similarly, if they are running electrical cords in a house, they are often placed in areas that require ladder access, and you don’t need to fall from very high up to suffer a bad injury if you slip. Harnesses, safety clips and an attentive assistant to secure your lift or ladder help to prevent fall injuries.
2. Shrapnel from “Flash Burns” – A flash burn is an industry term for an electrical explosion. When an improper connection is made, explosions can occur and that can cause small pieces of metal or copper wire to shoot off in all directions. This shrapnel can become embedded in the skin or cause serious eye damage. Flash burns and explosions can be prevented by paying close attention to live wires, double and triple checking connections, and wearing proper eye safety gear.
3. Asbestos – According to industry insiders, asbestos likely used to be the number one health and injury concern for electricians, but thankfully we’ve become much more aware of the condition and better at mitigating the risks. If electricians have to work in conditions where they might be exposed to asbestos, they’ll wear respirators. They also tend to get more regular lung check-ups to ensure they remain in the clear.
4. Repetitive Stress Injuries – An electrician’s work is hard labor, and they are exposed to a number of repetitive stress injuries on the job. Some of the more common repetitive stress injuries include back strains, hand abrasions and carpal tunnel syndrome. These types of injuries are prevented by stretching prior to working, using proper industry techniques and by performing physical therapy at the first signs of a repetitive stress injury.
5. Electrical Injuries – Electrical injuries are also somewhat common in the industry, but since it’s the most obvious source of danger, it’s always the most accounted for. That being said, one lapse in judgment can lead to burns, paralysis of a limb or even death, so you always have to have a clear mind when working in the electrical industry. Preventing these injuries comes down to double and triple checking your work, having clear communication with crew members, and never losing your focus when you’re working with live wires.
If you work in the electrical industry in Minnesota and you’ve been injured, you deserve compensation. Call Hey Workers today to learn how we can get you the compensation that’s rightfully yours.
