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Electrocution, burns and other harm caused by power cables can be a source of work-related injury in a construction site accident.
Cables can be either above ground or under the earth and it is important that before work commences on a vacant plot or larger building development any that cross the site or come onto it, are accurately marked on a diagram, flagged as a potential risk to all workers and, wherever possible, protected from accidental exposure.
Digging foundations or trenches for pipe work can often lead to the unintentional discovery of an electricity supply if cables are not as shown on official charts or if the construction worker has strayed from an agreed schedule of excavation.
Whether using manual implements such as a spade and pickaxe or being at the wheel of a mechanical digger, a construction worker is putting himself at risk of suffering an electric shock if the metal of the tool touches a live cable.
Where there are aerial lines, a machine with an extension arm or crane attachment will be at particular risk of coming into contact with the electricity supply if insufficient care is taken to avoid the cable.
Labourers are in a less hazardous position but a careless move with a scaffolding pole being carried across the site, for example, could connect with the wire and serious personal injury or even death could result.
Temporary electrical supplies are often needed to power lights or equipment on a building site and usually this comes from an independent diesel-fuelled generator rather than a mains supply. This will be a lower voltage than a high tension cable but still sufficient to cause burns if it is abused or misused in any way.
Where electricity is being introduced from the mains, such as a housing estate, qualified electricians should be employed to complete all necessary work on installations and any other workers should be kept away from live wires or other electrical components until all in a particular area have been installed, protected and inspected for safety.
Electricity needs to be respected for its ability to improve people's lives when it is suitably harnessed, but the effect of an electrical accident on the human body also must be recognised and employers must ensure every precaution is taken to avoid a construction site accident.
Help with a construction site accident claim
If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of a construction site accident involving power supplies which happened as a result of the actions or neglect of another, making a compensation claim may be appropriate.
YouClaim's specialist work injury lawyers are experienced across a wide variety of cases and will use that expertise to help you with advice and representation, offered in a sympathetic manner and with everything explained in plain English.
For clients' peace of mind, the Law Society's Solicitors Regulation Authority monitors what we do and, what's more, in most instances of personal injury, we can use the no win no fee system, meaning you will receive 100% of all compensation won for you.
Our friendly legal team is waiting to respond to your inquiry, which can come by way of the claim form on this page, through webchat or you can lift up the phone and call us on 0800 10 757 95.
