Working in the construction industry can be electrifying

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) receives information about around 1000 electrical construction accidents every year, including 30 fatalities.

Injuries can be caused by badly-maintained electrical equipment and work near power lines, electricity supplies and unsuitable electrical equipment used in explosive areas. Many fatalities from construction accidents come from contact with cables, both on the ground and overhead.

Electricity at Work Regulations (1989)
These standards require measures to be taken to avoid work-related construction accidents and personal injuries caused by working near electrical systems.

Legislation states that electricians and engineers must be safe working on electrical systems and that work done on electrical systems must be carried out accurately. This means that health and safety procedures need to be properly explained to workers before starting a job and adhered to during the construction process.

Employers must also take steps to make sure equipment is safe and not faulty, that ground-level management keeps the area safe for workers and that due diligence is paid to overhead or ground-level power lines.

Construction workers must be safe working next to electrical systems and all electric tools and equipment used by or hired out to construction workers must be safe. Failure to do so may result in injury and the valid grounds for a work accident claim.

Electrical safety accident prevention
Knowing what health and safety steps need to be followed is essential before construction workers are allowed near electrical systems. These include:

1. Keeping an eye out for overhead or ground-level power lines when using ladders or poles
2. Checking all cords and connections for signs of wear and tear
3. Making sure tools and equipment are well-maintained and replaced when necessary to avoid damage and potential injuries caused by faults
4. Ensuring workers have adequate safety gear, including hard hats, goggles and footwear
5. Checking that circuits are not overloaded with too many electrical devices
6. Making sure ground fault circuit interrupter outlets are always used near sinks and water
7. Only using extension cords on a temporary basis
8. Ensuring space heaters and standby generators are used with extreme caution and are installed by a qualified professional.

Questions:

1. Power lines kill more workers than any other electrical source.
2. Power lines are not insulated for contact.
3. Workers can be electrocuted by a power line even if they are wearing gloves and rubber boots.

Answers:

1. True
2. True
3. True

Making an electrical personal injury claim
There are rarely second chances with electrical equipment and personal injuries can be quick and severe. Burns, intense electric shocks and deep body trauma are common and fatalities often occur.

Workers employed on electrical systems have a right to complain if they are involved in non-fault construction accidents which cause them a serious injury, especially if their employer did not take adequate steps to protect them.

Our panel of personal injury solicitors have extensive experience in dealing with construction accident cases involving electrical systems and could help you make a no win, no fee compensation claim. You won't be charged a single penny during the course of your claim and can even keep 100% of any money awarded.

So call us now on 0800 10 757 95 and we will explain the claims process in full and discuss whether you are entitled to make a no win, no fee claim.