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For electricians, knowledge means safety so must have special training and skills to do their work safely. Still, even the best-trained electricians are exposed to many on-the-job hazards that could result in injury or death.
Odds are any electrician who regularly works with electricity has been shocked a time or two in their life. All electricians, no matter what industry they work in, are exposed constantly to the danger of electricity. Interestingly enough however, electricity is not the most common cause of injuries.
Here are some of the most common injuries that leave electricians looking for injury compensation.
• Falls – Falls are actually the most common source of injury among those in the electrical trade. If you think about it, it does make sense. Electricians can spend a good amount of their work time in the air: they could be perched on ladders, adjusting overhead lines, scrambling over roofs and crammed into ceiling crawlspaces.
• Electrical Shock Injuries – Electrical injuries are the most obvious source of dancer, therefore it is always the most accounted for. Electrocution is actually pretty far down on the list of the most common injuries, but it still a risk. Electricians are at the risk for other electrical injuries such as burns, paralysis of a limb or even death.
• Flash Burns – Flash burns from electrical explosions are another cause of injury. Explosions can occur when an improper connection is made. From the explosions small pieces of metal or copper shrapnel are shot off in all directions and can become embedded into the skin or even cause serious eye damage.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries – Aside from the more obvious hazards electricians face, the trade can take a toll on the body in other ways. An electrician’s work is hard labor and they are exposed to a number of repetitive stress injuries. Repetitive stress injuries are caused over time by a continual action or by a sustained and awkward position. Many electricians suffer from chronic ailments, including injuries to their hands, wrists, fingers and knees, back strains, hand abrasions and even carpal tunnel syndrome. Repetitive stress injuries may not be immediately life threatening, but they can be as painful and debilitating as other injuries.
• Asbestos – Asbestos actually use to be the number one health and injury concern for electricians, but because we’ve become more aware of the condition, we’ve been better at mitigating the risks. Still, electricians can be subjected to working in conditions where they might be exposed to asbestos.
Bottom line is that electricians experience a wide variety of work related injuries and due to the nature of the work it happens often. It’s important to get medical treatment right away and if it’s something serious to have an attorney who not only knows about Illinois work comp laws, but also knows about the profession and unique risks you have not only working, but also after returning to work following an accident.
