Electrical hazards are one of the biggest risks in the workplace, and they are especially prevalent in the construction and engineering industries. When you need to work in an environment that has electrical hazards, your employer has the responsibility to make you aware of the risks at hand and educate you on how to keep yourself and others safe.
If you do become injured at work because of an electrical hazard, you should make sure to get informed of your rights. As long as you report the work-related incident to your employer within 30 days of the accident occurring, you will likely be entitled to workers’ compensation. This compensation can help cover expenses such as medical bills and lost wages.
The most common electrical hazards and how to avoid them
Electrical accidents most commonly occur when there has been a fault or the electrical system has not been adequately maintained. Therefore, it is important that electrical systems are checked on a regular basis. For example, wires should be checked for signs of fraying, cracks, or other damage once per month.
In addition, all electrical equipment should be certified by a laboratory that is nationally recognized. If you find that your employer has failed to make frequent safety inspections on electrical equipment and you were injured as a result, they may be liable for negligence.
All injuries that take place in the workplace should be reported to the respective employer so that the injured employee can benefit from workers’ compensation. However, further action may need to be taken if the employer’s negligence led to the accident.