Investigating Electrical Fatalities and Their Workplace Locations
Contact with or exposure to electricity remains one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries in the United States. Between 2011 and 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported 1,322 workplace fatalities involving electricity.
Surprisingly, 70% of these fatalities occurred in non-electrical occupations. Despite ongoing safety initiatives, electrical hazards pose a significant threat across various industries.
Workplace Electrical Fatalities by Occupation
Based on OSHA data, here are the occupations most involved in electrical fatalities:
- Electricians: 195 fatalities
- Construction Laborers: 119 fatalities
- Laborers (Except Construction): 117 fatalities
- Electrical Power Installers & Repairers: 109 fatalities
- Tree Trimming Occupations: 94 fatalities
- HVAC & Refrigeration Mechanics: 42 fatalities
- Electricians’ Apprentices: 37 fatalities
- Truck Drivers (Heavy): 35 fatalities
- Roofers: 29 fatalities
- Painters (Construction & Maintenance): 28 fatalities
Leading Causes of Electrical Fatalities
The most common causes of electrical fatalities, as reported by OSHA, include:
- Working on or near energized wires or parts (48%)
- Contact with overhead power lines (41%)
- Lockout/tagout failures or safety devices removed (6%)
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) issues (3%)
- Arc-flash/blast incidents (1%)
Where Do Electrical Fatalities Occur?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides insight into where electrical fatalities happen most frequently, as the National Fire Protection Association reported. Here’s a breakdown of workplace locations ranked by percentage of fatalities:
- Home – 32%
- Industrial Facility – 29%
- Construction Sites (Residential and Non-Residential combined) – 22%
- Streets and Highways – 11%
- Public Buildings – 9%
Despite the increase in employees working from home, the number of fatalities at home has remained consistent, accounting for 32% of all electrical fatalities. This suggests that trades such as HVAC, plumbing, and roofing may not recognize the full scope of electrical hazards while operating in homes.
Industrial facilities, the second-highest location for fatalities, account for 29%, while construction sites, both residential and non-residential, account for 22%. As previously discussed in our previous article on common OSHA violations, the second most common OSHA violation is incorrect or missing hazard communication signage.
Electrical Safety: A Call to Action
It’s critical to rethink how electrical hazards are approached, particularly in non-electrical trades. Many workers may not fully understand the dangers of working on energized equipment or incorrectly assume household voltage isn’t hazardous.
Workers must be aware of the risks in any environment, especially when working in homes or industrial settings. An unseen hazard that is not pointed out acts as a silent killer waiting to strike. Keep your teams safe with electrical safety signage.
Following NFPA 70E standards and adhering to OSHA regulations can significantly reduce the risk of electrical fatalities. Employers and workers must remain vigilant, ensure proper safety measures are in place, and prioritize electrical safety protocols.
Conclusion
Electrical fatalities remain a serious concern across many industries. By understanding where these fatalities occur and what causes them, employers can take meaningful steps to mitigate these risks. Whether in a home, industrial facility, or construction site, the dangers of electrical exposure are real, and compliance with safety standards is crucial in preventing workplace fatalities.
