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Electrocution Injuries on Kansas City Construction Sites

Electrocution is the fourth leading cause of construction site injury and death among construction workers. An average of 143 construction workers are killed each year by contact with electricity. Many victims of electrocution are electricians who do their work near “live” or near live wires. But, construction laborers, carpenters, supervisors of non-electrical workers, and roofers also risk exposure to live wires and electric power lines.

Electrocution deaths in construction, by trade:

• Electrical workers 34%
• Construction laborers 16%
• Carpenters 6%
• Non-electrical supervisors 5%
• Roofers 4%

More than half of the electrocutions to electrical workers are caused by direct or indirect contact with live electrical equipment and wiring in light fixtures, circuit breakers, control panels, junction boxes, and transformers.

For non-electricians, the main cause of electrocution is contact with overhead power lines. Many deaths are the result of failure to de-energize or protect the power lines and failure to maintain minimum clearance distances from power lines. Sometimes deaths occur when metal ladders, cranes, aerial lifts and vehicles or other equipment become “electrified” by overhead power lines.

Another common cause of electrocutions, especially among non-electricians, is contact with machinery, appliances, power tools, portable lights, and defective power/extension cords.

Leading causes of electrocutions:

• Contact with electrical wiring and equipment (58% electricians, 24% other construction workers)
• Contact with overhead power lines (34% electricians, 56% other construction workers)
• Electrocution from machinery and appliances (4% electricians, 11% other construction workers)

Working in a cramped area or in standing water may also contribute to electrocution risk.

Can electrocution accidents be prevented?

Following these steps can prevent most Kansas City construction site electrocutions.

Safety tips for contractors:

1. Contractors should ensure that all employees who work with or near electrical currents are trained on electrical safety.
2. Contractors should comply with OSHA regulations on electrical safety.
3. Contractors should contact utility companies in advance to de-energize or insulate overhead power lines at a job site.
4. Contactors should allow work on live electrical circuits/parts in accordance with a permit system with specific procedures.

Safety tips for electrical workers:

1. Electrical workers should de-energize and lock out or tag out electrical circuits and parts that they are working on or near.
2. Electrical workers should work only on live electrical circuits/parts in accordance with a permit system with specific procedures.
3. Electrical workers should only do work they are trained and qualified to do.
4. Electrical workers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Safety tips for all other construction workers:

1. The worker should be trained in electrical safety for the work he will be doing.
2. The workers should ensure that machinery and power tools are properly grounded or double insulated.
3. The worker should check all extension and power cords for wear and tear before use.
4. Power tools or machinery should be unplugged when not inuse, especially when being inspected or repaired.
5. Workers should stay a minimum of 10 feet from live overhead power lines.
6. Workers should keep metal objects away from live electrical circuits/parts.

These simple tips can help prevent deadly electrocutions!

If you are injured by or have lost a loved one to a construction site electrocution accident in Kansas City, contact the Missouri construction site injury attorneys at the Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys. We have helped many construction site injury victims and their families to get fair compensation after a Kansas City worksite accident. Call 1-888-348-2616 to schedule a free legal consultation with a Missouri personal injury lawyer.

If you have been injured on the job, request your copy of our FREE book,” 10 Essential Steps You Must Take to Protect Your Injury Claim – How You Can Escape the Personal Injury Trap.”

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• Posted on 10/27/2011Three Injured in Scaffolding Accident in Kansas City
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Construction Accident

• I'm a Kansas City construction worker who was injured on the job; I heard that I can't sue because of Missouri Worker's Compensation law. Is that true?

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