Electrocutions occurring between 1982 and 1994 were studied by the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) in 1998. The NIOSH researchers analyzed 224 electrocutions which resulted in 244 workplace fatalities. These fatalities accounted for approximately 7% of all workplace deaths. The information they learned provides valuable lessons for everyone that works with or around electricity.
Younger males die most often. Victims ranged in age from 17- 70 years, 99% of them were men, 64% died prior to age 35, and 99% of the incidents involved alternating current (AC). New hires need to take the most care. 41% of all victims were on the job for under 1 year. Construction workers had the highest percentage of electrocutions at 40%. Other predominate industries included: transportation/communication/public utilities (16%); manufacturing (12%); and agriculture/forestry/fishing (11%).
Utility line workers typically receive extensive training in electrical safety, yet they had the highest number of fatal injuries. 55% of linemen fatalities were caused by failure to use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, sleeves, mats, or blankets. Laborers, who generally receive little or no electrical training had the next highest fatality rate.
NIOSH identified five case scenarios describing the 244 fatalities:
1) Direct worker contact with an energized power line (28%)
2) Direct worker contact with energized equipment (21%)
3) Boomed vehicle contact with an energized power line (18%)
4) Improperly installed or damaged equipment (17%)
5) Conductive equipment contact with an energized power line (16%).