Workers at Risk of Fatal and Nonfatal Electrical Injuries

Abstract

The electrical safety community has made great strides in reducing electrical injuries to electrical workers through elimination, mitigation, administrative controls, worker training, and personal protective equipment. However, a large percentage of fatal and nonfatal electrical injuries occur to nonelectrical workers. This article uses Bureau of Labor Statistics data and Occupational Safety and Health Administration records to identify workers and types of work vulnerable to electrical injury. Odds of electrical or occupational injury or fatality are included for risk perspective. To decrease the likelihood of electrical injuries in at-risk workers, electrical safety programs must effectively target and reach at-risk workers. Appropriate training and ways to reach nonelectrical workers vulnerable to electrical injury are discussed.