Construction Site Accidents – Overhead Power Line Accidents

Overhead power line accidents are most common in construction sites that are using cranes, ladders or any large machinery. Hundreds of workers are killed annually on construction sites due to accidental contact with overhead power lines.

The most common accident occurs when equipment such as cranes, ladders, backhoes and raised dump trucks comes into contact with overhead power lines – in fact, cranes coming into contact with overhead power lines is the leading cause of death for overhead power line accidents. When a piece of equipment or machinery touches the power lines and the worker is touching the equipment and/or the ground, the person becomes part of an electric circuit, forcing electricity through the body. Although these accidents are not always fatal, workers can suffer serious long-term injuries.

Overhead power line accidents can easily be avoided if both workers and employers maintain strict safety guidelines and vigilance. Any equipment should be used at a vertical distance of at least 10 feet from any overhead power lines. The clearance of heavy equipment, such a cranes, should be at least 10 feet below the power lines, preferably more. Workers should be adequately trained in moving heavy machinery properly, know the hazards of power lines and know what to do when they accidentally come into contact with power lines.

If you have been involved in an electrical accident in the workplace you may be entitled to compensation. This will be determined by the nature of the accident, your involvement and contribution towards the negligence (if there was any), and the level of safety that was applied to the work environment.

The company you are employed by may have insurance and compensation plans in place where dangerous work place conditions exist as part of the construction task, and the foreman or safety officer can advise you of your entitlement to a claim. In the first instance the onus lies with your employer to make due compensation; however, this may become complicated if the negligent party is a third party, such as the site owner. Your employer may be reluctant to represent your best interests.

The terms of compensation are subject to interpretation by the company and their insurance agents. If you feel that their offer of compensation is unfair or unsatisfactory, then you may need to turn to legal help to initiate a claim against your employer. An attorney can help you bring a claim against the company responsible without jeopardizing your job.