Electrical hazards surround pretty much every job that has any type of electrical installations or wires in its description. Basically, if you play with fire, you ought to get burned.
Working with electrical wires and installations is dangerous, but there are people who perform these type of duties every day.
Even though people take it for granted, electricity has a high kill rate. Here is how electricity can cause an injury at a construction site injury, and how it can be prevented.
Three Factors
Most electrical accidents are a result of one of the following factors:
Unsafe work practices
Unsafe working environment
Unsafe equipment or installation
While working on a construction site, you should be aware that it is still “work in progress”, and being unfinished means that it is definitely unsafe in terms of the working environment. The chances are that there are plenty of loose wires, cables, electrical installations and other types of sources that may conduct electricity. Getting in touch with any of them could result in an injury. Since electricity is responsible for killing many construction site workers every year, it is mandatory that a valid equipment is worn while working in such conditions.
Safety Equipment
In order to be acceptable, every piece of working equipment first has to be tested by NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory). The equipment must be installed and used within its capacity in order not to exceed its limitations. If worn out or damaged, it should be replaced.
Keep in mind that wearing additional tools on your safety equipment could cause the equipment to malfunction, rip apart or get damaged. Be sure to read the equipment’s specifications before using it, and while doing any electrical work that involves touching “dangerous and high voltage areas”, wear the right protective gear (rubber boots, gloves, helmet with a flashlight).
If you get injured on a construction site, contact our Workers Compensation Attorneys in Los Angeles and seek their help in recovering and securing your worker's compensation benefits in a timely manner. As you probably won't be able to return to work any time soon, your benefits will be the only source of income you may have. Secure them now, before it is too late.
Is the Site “Grounded”?
Before you get in touch with any electrical installation, be sure to check if it is grounded. When done so, it creates a low-resistance path that connects to the ground, preventing the buildup of voltages which could cause an electrical accident and result in someone’s death or severe injuries.
Safe Work Practices
You can prevent many electrical accidents by applying these safe work practices:
De-energize electrical equipment before repairing or inspecting them
Keep electrical tools properly maintained
Be sure that all electrical equipment is unable to “start unexpectedly”
Use appropriate personal protective equipment
Exercise caution when working with and near energized lines
After sustaining an injury, we advise you to place your fate in the hands of our Los Angeles Workers Compensation Attorneys, as they will do everything in their power to help you obtain the benefits you deserve.