With electricity necessary for a large number of manufacturing processes, thousands of workers are exposed to the possibility of electrocution everyday. Electrocution hazards exist over a range of industries and occupations. The source of exposure can be as innocuous as a broken bulb, or as obvious as a live power line. Every year, close to 350 American workers die as a result of electrical injuries in the workplace.

Types of Electrical Injuries

Injuries sustained in an electrical accident can be classified into four categories:

• Fatal Electrocution
• Electric Shock
• Burns
• Falls that occur as a result of contact with a live energy source

Causes of Electrocution

• Construction workers, crane operators and other industrial employees may be at risk for contact with high voltage power lines at work. Among them, operators involved in the handling of cranes, derricks, metal ladders, and backhoes may be at increased risk because of the potential for contact with an energized power line.
• Workers can also be at risk for electrocution from exposed wires and short circuits resulting from defective or poorly maintained machinery.
• If a construction site lacks ground fault protection, the resulting electrical exposure from malfunctioning equipment may be sufficient to cause explosions, fires, burns or fatalities.
• Electrocution injury can occur when electrical equipment is used in an unauthorized manner. For instance, the use of equipment that is marked for use only in dry areas in an outdoor environment, making use of modified tools, use of tools with exposed wiring and worn out insulation are all examples of the misuse of electrical equipment that can result in dangerous electrical accidents.
• Use of flexible extension cords that have exposed or loose wires can generate risky conditions and lead to electrical accidents.

Prevention of Electrocution Injury

• Employers must identify and make workers aware of overhead and buried power lines, and warn workers of their presence.
• Fiberglass or wood ladders that do not conduct electricity must be used near power lines and exposed electrical sources.
• Crane operators and other workers who work in elevated positions may be at increased risk for electrocution from energized power lines, and sufficient safety precautions must be taken to protect these workers.
• All electrical equipment must be well maintained and inspected regularly before use.
• Any electrical tools that have cracked casings or loose wires must be removed from service. Such tools must have warning labels attached to them to prevent employees from using them until the problem has been fixed.
• All equipment must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. The power supply system including electrical circuits, must be sufficiently grounded.
• Only three-conductor type extension cords that are marked for industrial use, must be employed.