Anyone who spends a lot of time working in a construction site runs the risk of getting electrocuted. Because an electrocution could be deadly or result in catastrophic injuries, it’s vital that construction workers are alert, cautious and careful to prevent such accidents from happening. Here are a few tips from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for staying safe around electricity at work:
— Do not assume that you can touch any electrical wires, even if they are insulated. Consider all overhead power lines to be energized and potentially deadly.
— Do not touch a fallen power line. Assume that it is energized and call the appropriate authorities to take care of the problem.
— Keep a distance of 10 feet from all overhead wires. Look around before putting a ladder up to ensure you won’t be getting too close to a live power line.
— If you strike a telephone pole and a power line falls across your car, do not get out of the car. Rather, back away while staying in your vehicle. Whatever you do, remain inside your car until the coast is clear, and warn others of the potentially live wires if they approach your car.
— Do not work with electrical wires, electricity or power lines unless you have proper qualifications and you are authorized to do so.
— Be careful when working in damp areas to ensure that there aren’t any exposed electrical wires or wires that could become exposed to the damp conditions.
These tips will keep workers safe in the majority of circumstances, but not in all circumstances. If you get hurt by electricity at work, learn about your rights under Omaha workers’ compensation law. You might be able to receive benefits to pay for your medical care and time spent unable to work.