An Atlanta construction accident lawyer reveals the risks workers face
Few jobs are more dangerous than construction work. One of the serious risks workers face is injury or death due to electrical accidents.
Workers might not be aware of a hot powerline or lack of ground-fault protection, to name a couple of hazards that can lead to electrocution and a construction accident claim.
The 5 main electrical hazards in construction
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports on common electrical hazards at construction sites. Workers, contractors, and construction firms should be aware of the following hazards and ensure safety protocols are followed.
Contact with power lines
Power line accidents can happen for any number of reasons. Overhead and buried power lines carry high voltage and can lead to death or severe electrical burns when touched. Workers could fall from an elevated surface after contact with a power line.
Lack of ground-fault protection
Without ground-fault protection, a worker could be electrocuted. Such accidents might occur due to wear and tear resulting in insulation breaks, short-circuits, and exposed wires.
Path to ground missing or discontinuous
Electrical burns or death can occur to workers if the power supply to electrical equipment at the job site is not grounded or the path has been broken. Extreme conditions or rough treatment of equipment could also result in an accident even if the equipment is properly grounded.
Equipment not used in the manner prescribed
When equipment is misused, workers face a risk of electrocution or sustaining a severe burn injury. Examples include using equipment outdoors that has been designed for use indoors and in dry conditions. Another risk is attaching an ungrounded two-prong adapter plug to three-prong cords and tools.
Improper use of extension or flexible cords
Extension and flexible cords can deteriorate with time. The wear and tear can lead to exposed wires, creating a hazard.
How to avoid electrocution at a construction site
You can reduce the risk of an electrical accident by taking preventative measures, such as:
- Be aware of power lines and maintain a safe distance
- Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)
- Look at your equipment and replace or repair if you see cuts, abrasions, or damaged insulation
- Only use equipment in ways in which it is designed to be used
- Receive proper training
Legal help is available for injured workers
Electrical accidents at construction sites can happen without warning. Victims may have to spend time in the hospital and take off time from work. Electrocution can affect many areas of a victim’s life. You may need expensive medical treatment to recover. You could lose income from not working. And you may not be able to enjoy the same things you used to enjoy before your electrical accident.
If you were injured in an electrical accident while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, navigating the workers' comp system in Georgia can become complicated, and if you're not careful, you could miss out on the benefits you're entitled to.
In some cases, responsibility can fall on an entity other than your employer (e.g., a sub-contractor), which could be grounds for a third-party claim that goes above and beyond workers’ compensation.
That's why it's so critical to talk to an attorney to get a clear understanding of your legal rights and options.
At Gary Martin Hays & Associates, we have the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle every aspect of your claim. Our highly skilled attorneys know how to pursue all potential sources of compensation and will fight for every dollar you deserve.
We also offer a Zero Fee Guarantee to our clients. That means there are no hourly charges, and you pay no legal fees unless we win your case.
To see how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Atlanta construction accident attorney.
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