Striking or touching a power line is deadly for construction workers and cable guys.
Electrocution is the second leading cause of deaths for construction workers.
Electrocution is when a tool or piece of equipment accidentally strikes or touches a power line. (Falls are the number one cause of death in construction work.). Many construction workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards in their work environment which makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution.
Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of not being made aware of all energized power sources, from overhead and underground power lines to damaged receptacles and connectors. All too common is when construction workers moving or carrying metal ladders strike overhead power lines.
Electrocution kills – Do you have an electrocution lawsuit?
Take, for instance, two men who were installing gutters at a housing complex. The aluminum ladder that one man was carrying touched an overhead electric power line; he died. The second man died trying to help his coworker.
In another instance, a cable installer was electrocuted when he touched a high voltage line. He was standing in the bucket of a mechanical lift known as a cherry picker when he came in contact with a 19,500 volt line. The shock killed him instantly.
In Florida, what was a typical end of day maneuver turned deadly when a worker was standing on the ground operating a mechanical lift from a side control panel, when the lift struck a power line of 7,620 volts. He was jolted repeatedly as his lift and one nearby caught on fire as his horrified coworkers stood by unable to rescue him because they too would be shocked.
Electrocutions occur when workers using cranes, metal ladders, scaffolds, conveyors, front-end loaders, dump trucks, or other equipment or materials come into contact with overhead power lines. Simple foolproof activities like unloading supplies from a truck or moving ladders from the side of a structure may lead to contact with high voltage leading to serious injury like paralysis or amputation or – death.
Could these and many more electrocution accidents have been prevented? Absolutely! Do you need the advice of a Pennsylvania electrocution law firm?
Who is at fault?
Employers, contractors, and subcontractors are at fault. They need to be held accountable to better train and educate employees and temporary workers by increasing awareness of electrical hazards in construction and telecommunications. Construction companies, building code inspectors, architects, and electrical engineers must provide detailed and understandable plans highlighting lethal electrical currents.
Safety first must always be a priority not an afterthought.
If a loved one or family member has been electrocuted while at work – this is a personal and professional crisis. Do not try to cope alone. Talk to Anapol Schwartz, a Pennsylvania and New Jersey law firm with a great deal of construction accident settlements under their belt. We can help you and your family.