High Voltage Hazards in the Construction Industry

Year-after-year electrocutions remain on OSHA’s Top Ten list of citations and are among the third leading cause of death for construction workers. Let’s work together to keep workers safe and prevent serious injuries – even death.

In 2015 alone, eighty-two construction workers died from electrocutions, per the Center for Construction Research and Training. 

Although the number of electrocutions on construction sites has reduced throughout the years, the number of injuries and deaths that still occur are unacceptable. Electrocution deaths commonly are caused by direct or indirect exposure to more than 220 volts of electricity via power lines, transformers, converters and the like.

In a high hazard profession such as the construction industry, workers are often exposed to electrical energy while completing their daily responsibilities. Injury costs can reach $15 million or more in direct and indirect costs to the company. 

Ensure your workers are aware of the potential electrical risks by posting voltage and shock hazard signs to alert them of high voltage. 

What’s the most common major electrical hazard in the construction industry?

Overhead and buried power lines carry extremely high and hazardous voltage. Fatalities are possible as electrocution is the main risk. However, burns and falls from elevations are additional hazards when working in the area of high voltage power lines. Workers may not realize that cranes are not the only equipment that reaches overhead power lines.

Safety measures like regular tool inspections and maintenance and precautionary measures like using nonconductive ladders and cover-up equipment can help prevent electrical-related injuries and deaths.

What does OSHA say about preventing electrical-related injuries – even death when working on a construction site?

Before work begins, be sure that:

  • Equipment/activity is located within a safe working distance from power lines.
  • The utility company has to de-energized and visibly ground the power lines or installed insulated sleeves on power lines.
  • Flagged warning lines have been installed to mark horizontal and vertical power line clearance distances.
  • Tools and materials used are nonconductive.

OSHA recommends identifying major electrocution hazards. They’ve created the BE SAFE acronym to help workers and employers by recognizing, avoiding and protecting against the high voltage hazards below.

B-E S-A-F-E when working around electricity:

B = Burns: A burn is the most common shock-related injury and can result from three types of electricity:

  • Electrical
  • Arc/Flash
  • Thermal Contact

E = Electrocution: Electrocution is fatal. Electrocution results when a human is exposed to a lethal amount of electrical energy.

S = Shock: Shock results when the body becomes part of the electrical circuit; current enters the body at one point and leaves at another. Electrical shock is defined as a reflex response to the passage of electric current through the body.

A = Arc Flash/Blast: An arc flash is the sudden release of electrical energy through the air when a high-voltage gap exists and there is a breakdown between conductors. An arc flash gives off thermal radiation (heat) and bright, intense light that can cause burns. High-voltage arcs can also produce considerable pressure waves by rapidly heating the air and creating a blast.

F = Fire: Most electrical distribution fires result from problems with “fixed wiring” such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords (such as extension and appliance cords), plugs, receptacles, and switches also cause electrical fires.

E = Explosions: An explosion can occur when electricity ignites an explosive mixture of material in the air.

Construction workers on job sites are often working at various heights, in extreme locations and need to be informed and protected from serious injuries – including how to prevent and watch out for potential electrocution.

ComplianceSigns.com has arc flash signs and many other electrical safety signs and labels you need to keep your construction and utility workers safe.

Download an electrical safety for non-electricians card from CPWR.