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August 3rd, 2013

Electric Shock Hazards in the Use of Cranes and Lifts

Cranes, lifts, etc. are often used on major construction sites, such as the construction of a large commercial building or a high rise apartment building. In fast growing cities like Philadelphia, many construction sites require use of cranes, lifts, etc. On any given worksite, workers may be working dozens of feet above ground.

Working from heights is extremely dangerous. Falling even 6 or 7 feet can result in death or at the very least, serious and life changing injuries. For example, a worker who suffers a traumatic brain injury may become disabled and never be able to return to work. Therefore, preventing accidents on worksites and construction sites is crucial.

Workers on Cranes & Lifts are at Risk of Electric Shock Accidents

Electric shock accidents, while not as common as falls or strike accidents, absolutely can occur during use of cranes, lifts and any other equipment which require work above ground level. In addition, frame scaffolds, suspended scaffolds, etc. also subject workers to the risk of electric shock or electrocution.

Suggested Article: Why Crane Accidents Occur

Electric shocks while working above ground level pose an additional risk – workers above ground who are electrocuted may then suffer a second accident and fall to the ground below. In many situations, workers such as painters, masonry workers, steel workers, carpenters, etc. will be forced to work without proper fall protection. In the event a worker comes into contact with an energized line or part and sustains a shock, no matter how minor, he is at risk of falling. Without proper fall protection, the worker who would have otherwise survived an electric shock, may suffer catastrophic injuries. Again, even a fall of 6 or 7 feet can result in death.

OSHA regulations detail employers’ duties with respect to operation of cranes and use of fall protection. In many fall accident cases, workers report that employers either failed to provide fall protection or discouraged, and in some cases, even prohibited their use. Building construction companies and contractors often fail to install or use appropriate fall protection because of financial and efficiency concerns. In other words, such companies often choose profits over worker safety.

Related crane accident posts:

Pennsylvania and New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyers

Jeff Laffey is passionate about workers’ rights and accident safety. Learn about his 2012 workplace safety presentation to union members in Philadelphia.

Jeff’s law firm proudly represents union and nonunion workers, such as:

  • carpenters,
  • plumbers,
  • electricians,
  • steel workers,
  • iron workers, and
  • laborers.

If you or a loved one was seriously hurt or killed in a construction accident, contact our Pennsylvania and New Jersey construction accident lawyers for a free, confidential consultation. Our lawyers accept cases in other states such as New York or Delaware on a case by case basis and welcome calls from local counsel. (866) 641-0806/Click To Call

Disclaimer: The lawyers at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan provide quality legal advice to individuals after accepting their case. No attorney-client relationship is created by this website. Nothing on this site is intended to provide legal advice. Because every case is unique, discussion of prior outcomes and settlements in past cases is no guarantee of a similar outcome in current or future cases.