Working Near Overhead Lines is a Common Cause of Electric Shock Accidents

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[suffusion-widgets id=’3′] There are multiple causes of workplace electrical accidents. However, many electric shock accidents occur when a worker comes into contact with a line. One very common situation involves a worker performing work near an overhead line and accidentally coming into contact with the line. Workers who perform their duties at heights are at risk for coming into contact with overhead lines. Most cases of electric shock are fatal. If not fatal, very serious injuries often result, such as:

  • burns,
  • scarring,
  • loss of limbs,
  • cardiac arrest, and
  • organ failure.

working near overhead electric lineWorking near an overhead line is very dangerous, especially if OSHA regulations are ignored. OSHA Regulation 1910.333(c)(3)(i)(A) imposes minimum requirements for those working near overhead lines. For workers like tree trimmers who regularly work at heights, they are particularly at risk for being injured or killed in electric accidents. In the last several weeks, there have been multiple electrocution deaths and they almost always involve working near an overhead line.

  • 5/14/12: Tree trimmer killed in Fort Worth
  • 5/10/12: Roofer kicks co-worker off roof, saves him from electrocution
  • 5/10/12:  Worker electrocuted trimming tree in Edgeworth
  • 4/23/12: Police blotter: Resident electrocuted by overhead wire

In these types of accident situations, multiple parties could be liable, such as:

  • electric companies,
  • contractors,
  • subcontractors, and
  • product manufacturers.

Proper investigation by a lawyer experienced in electric shock accident cases is crucial to success of the case, especially in cases of serious injury or death.

Related Legal Article: Electrical Accidents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey – Common OSHA Violations Resulting in Injury

To submit your case for review by our Pennsylvania and New Jersey electrical accident and injury lawyers, call Click To Call.

Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation, and can obtain special admission in other states, such as New York or Delaware, on a case by case basis.

Our electrical accident attorneys serve those injured in the following areas: Allegheny County, PA; Berks County, PA; Bucks County, PA; Chester County, PA; Delaware County, PA; Lehigh County, PA; Montgomery County, PA; Northampton County, PA: Philadelphia County, PA; Atlantic County, NJ; Burlington County, NJ; Camden County, NJ; Cumberland County, NJ; Gloucester County, NJ; Salem County, NJ; New Castle County, DE; Kent County, DE; Atlantic City, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Newark, NJ; Doylestown, PA; Media, PA; West Chester, PA; Norristown, PA; Camden, NJ; Wilmington, DE; Newark, DE; Georgetown, DE; and New Castle, DE. Our lawyers can obtain special admission in other states on a case by case basis. **This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is crucial to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.

Published: May 22, 2012

Sources:

http://www.kiiitv.com/story/18375026/tree-trimmer-electrocuted-in-fort-worth

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-05-10/roof-worker-electrocution-fall/54877650/1

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-north/worker-electrocuted-trimming-tree-in-edgeworth-635180/

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/news/12082659-418/police-blotter-resident-electrocuted-by-overhead-wire.html