Electricians are skilled, experienced craftspeople who help to keep the lights (and power on) at residential homes and commercial establishments. They help to ensure electrical safety standards are met. Working as an electrician has the potential to be dangerous—especially if employers, contractors, subcontractors, and property owners do not take the proper safety precautions. Here, our Virginia workers’ comp lawyer highlights the most common workplace injuries for electricians.
Three Most Common Types of Work Injuries for Electricians
Overexertion Injuries
The most common type of work injury for electricians actually does not have much to do with electricity at all—at least not directly. Electricians in Virginia are at a significant risk of suffering an overexertion injury. Broadly speaking, overexertion injuries are a form of physical trauma that happens when an electrician pushes their body too hard. Examples include lifting heavy equipment, contorting their body into difficult places, or staying in the same position for too long. The strain can cause muscle pulls, back injuries, and joint pain. While these injuries can sometimes seem minor at first, they can often lead to serious, long-term health issues if they are not addressed properly.
Fall Accidents
Fall accidents are a major concern for all workers in Virginia—and electricians are certainly no exception. These accidents can happen in two main ways: 1) Falls from height, and 2) Slip and falls. Electricians often work on ladders, scaffolds, or roofs. Doing so puts them at risk for falls from height. On the other hand, slip and falls can occur on the ground level due to tripping over tools or slipping on wet surfaces. Both types of falls are particularly prevalent in construction sites, where uneven surfaces and temporary structures increase the risk. The consequences can range from minor bruises to severe harm like a broken bone or a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Electrical Injuries
Finally, electrical injuries are, unsurprisingly, a significant risk for electricians. Alarmingly, electrical injuries are actually becoming more common. According to a report from Safety and Health Magazine, reports that “nonfatal electrical injuries involving days away from work increased 17 percent” over the last decade. The data underlines the dangers electricians face, including from shocks, burns, even electrocutions. These injuries can occur when working with live wires, faulty equipment, or during the installation and maintenance of electrical systems. Ensuring proper safety protocols is an absolute must. As with other types of work-related injuries, electrical accidents can largely be prevented with proper care. Protective gear and safety training can make a big difference.
Contact Our Virginia Workers’ Comp Attorney for Electricians Today
At Injured Workers’ Law Firm, our Virginia workers’ comp lawyer is committed to fighting for your benefits when you need to take time away to recover. If you are an electrician who was injured while on the job, our team can help. Call us at (804) 755-7755 or contact us online for your confidential consultation. We represent electricians who were hurt on the job in Richmond and across Virginia.