Electricity is such a necessity in modern society that even outdoor structures typically have outlets and wiring available. Almost everyone working in construction will have to come into close contact with wiring at some point, even if they don’t actually install it themselves.
Whether you work in residential home construction or commercial building construction, live wires, damaged wires and other risk factors can leave you vulnerable to the possibility of electrocution while on the job. Some electrocutions are instantly fatal, while others can cause damage to various parts of the body, including the heart, and may require expensive medical care. Those who survive a serious electrocution may not be able to return to their job for some time, if at all.
Both workers who get hurt by an electrocution accident and surviving family members of someone who dies via electrocution at a construction site have the right to seek compensation for their losses as a result of that tragic accident.
Construction companies should take great care to limit electricity risks
Statistics make it clear that electrocution remains among the most significant risks in the construction industry. As such, companies that hire people to work in construction should take great care to have safe systems in place while working with electricity.
Special practices, such as placing a tag by power switches to prevent someone from accidentally turning on the electricity while someone is working nearby is one way to limit electrical accidents. Frequent inspections of wiring that provides electrical supply to active construction sites is another important step, as damage to electrical supply wires can be as risky in some circumstances as the installation of wiring.
When companies or building owners don’t take enough the proper steps to limit risk for workers, they may be vulnerable to legal and financial claims if someone does get hurt. Make sure that you understand all of your legal options if you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence.
