Workplace Burns & Electrocutions
Employees working in industrial environments are at serious risk of suffering
on-the-job burns or even electrocution. If an unsafe work environment
or other type of employer negligence resulted in a burn or electrocution
injury, the employee may be entitled to compensation. Our industrial injury
lawyers at Arnold & Itkin can help.
Burn Injuries
About a quarter of all serious burns occur at a person's place of employment,
and workplace burn injuries account for approximately 5% of workplace
fatalities. Burns can come from fires, as well as contact with hot objects
and machinery.
Burn injuries most frequently affect the following:
Thermal workplace burns usually come from scalds involving hot liquids,
but can also be the result of open flames, hot objects, or even explosions.
These burns are usually suffered on the skin. Chemical burns are usually
more severe, and can be caused by contact with any number of corrosive
materials that can eat away at skin and underlying tissue.
In order to prevent these types of injuries, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration dictates that all workplaces must maintain certain
fire safety standards and must also educate employees regarding potential
fire hazards and control procedures established in the fire prevention plan.
Electrical Injuries
With electricity necessary for a large number of manufacturing processes,
thousands of workers are exposed to the possibility of electrocution every
day. Electrocution hazards exist over a range of industries and occupations.
The source of exposure can be as innocuous as a broken bulb or as obvious
as a live power line. Every year, close to 350 American workers die as
a result of electrical injuries in the workplace.
Injuries sustained in an electrical accident can be classified into four
categories:
- Electric Shock
- Burn Injuries
- Fatal Electrocution
- Contact with Live Energy Source
Electrocution can occur when electrical equipment is used in an unauthorized
manner; for instance, using equipment that is marked for use only in dry
areas in an outdoor environment or making use of modified tools.
The following are good steps to follow if you are looking to prevent these
types of injuries from occurring:
- Employers must identify and make workers aware of overhead and buried power lines;
- Using fiberglass or wood ladders that do not conduct electricity near power lines;
- All electrical equipment must be well maintained and inspected regularly
before use;
- Any electrical tools that have cracked casings or loose wires must be removed
from service;
- All equipment must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions;
- The power supply system including electrical circuits must be sufficiently
grounded; and
- Only three-conductor type extension cords that are marked for industrial
use must be employed.
Contact Arnold & Itkin for a Free Consultation
When dealing with the aftermath of an industrial accident, no matter whether
you have personally been injured or if you have a loved one that has wrongfully
suffered, it is in your best interests to consult with Arnold & Itkin
LLP. Over the years, we have been successful in recovering billions of
dollars on behalf of our clients. You can rest assured knowing that we
have the experience and the desire necessary to helping you defend your
legal rights.
To schedule your initial case evaluation, please do not hesitate to
contact an injury lawyer from our legal team.