The Most Common Causes of Electrocution Accidents in New York City
At Cohen & Cohen, we understand that electrocution accidents on construction sites are among the most serious and often life-threatening incidents that can happen. These accidents are typically preventable and result from serious safety failures that could have been avoided. In this article, we will take a closer look at the most common causes of electrocution accidents on NYC construction sites and how these tragedies can often be prevented.
System Failures That Lead to Electrocution
Electrocution accidents almost always happen because of system failures – meaning that the responsible parties, such as developers, contractors, or construction companies, failed to follow safety protocols or properly supervise their workers. In our experience, the most frequent causes of electrocution accidents include the following:
Power Lines Too Close to Work Areas
One of the leading causes of electrocution on construction sites is workers coming into contact with electrical power lines that are too close to scaffolds or work platforms. A real-world example we encountered involved a worker on a scaffold near electrical lines. The scaffold wasn’t adequately secured, and the worker got electrocuted while adjusting the scaffold. The shock caused the worker to lose balance and fall, adding a whole other layer of injury on top of the electrocution.
This is a common issue we see, especially in construction environments. New York law clearly mandates that work areas must be at least 10 feet away from power lines, but too often, contractors ignore this critical safety rule. When workers are too close to live power lines, even a brief contact can lead to a devastating electrical shock, which can cause serious harm or death.
Energized Electrical Lines Not Properly Shut Down
Before any construction or demolition work begins, electrical lines must be properly shut down by qualified electricians. However, we have seen multiple cases in which construction companies failed to ensure power lines were de-energized before work began. In one particular case, an electrical line that was supposed to be shut off remained active, and a worker ended up electrocuted while performing demolition work.
Skipping this crucial step not only violates safety protocols but also violates electrical safety standards. The failure to de-energize power lines before work begins is a dangerous practice that frequently leads to severe electrocution accidents on construction sites.
Poorly Secured Scaffolds Near Electrical Hazards
Scaffolds that are not properly secured present a major risk in the event of an electrical shock. In many cases, when workers are electrocuted, they lose their balance and fall from elevated surfaces, which can lead to catastrophic injuries like fractures, internal injuries, or even death. We recently represented a client who was working on a scaffold, and the scaffold was positioned too close to electrical power lines. The lack of proper safety precautions contributed to both the electrocution and the fall that followed.
This highlights an important issue on construction sites – electrical hazards and scaffold safety must be addressed together. If scaffolds are not properly secured and workers are exposed to electrical hazards, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Lack of Proper OSHA Training and Qualified Supervision
The failure to provide adequate training and supervision is another significant cause of electrocution accidents. Contractors often hire workers and fail to ensure that they are properly trained in electrical safety, including how to avoid hazards near power lines or how to handle electrical equipment safely. Additionally, many construction companies do not hold safety meetings or consistently enforce safety protocols.
One of the key responsibilities of contractors and property owners is to supervise workers and ensure that safety standards, including OSHA requirements, are followed. Unfortunately, too often, construction companies cut corners when it comes to safety training and proper supervision, putting workers at risk of avoidable injuries.
Defective Electrical Tools and Equipment
While less common, defective electrical equipment can also contribute to electrocution accidents on construction sites. We recently had a case in which a worker used a malfunctioning electrical torch during demolition work. Instead of the torch working properly and generating a controlled flame, it backfired, sending electrical shockwaves through the worker’s body and causing second-degree burns.
These types of accidents can result in severe burns, organ damage, or other serious injuries. Tools and equipment used on a construction site should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are safe to use. When tools malfunction due to poor maintenance or faulty design, workers are put in harm’s way.
Why These Safety Failures Continue
Many electrocution accidents could be avoided, but they continue to happen because construction companies, developers, and contractors prioritize profit and speed over the safety of their workers. To meet deadlines and stay within budget, companies often skip safety steps, fail to provide adequate training, and overlook critical safety measures like securing scaffolds or ensuring that electrical lines are properly deenergized.
Additionally, many of the workers who are most at risk in these situations are immigrants or undocumented workers who fear speaking up about unsafe conditions. These workers often face retaliation if they report safety violations, making them more vulnerable to accidents like electrocution. Employers exploit their fear, knowing these workers are less likely to report safety hazards or accidents, further putting them at risk.
When a company chooses to put profits over people, workers are the ones who pay the price. Our job at Cohen & Cohen is to hold these negligent employers accountable for the harm they cause.
Contact Cohen & Cohen for Legal Help
If you or someone you know has been injured in an electrocution accident on a construction site, you have legal rights to seek compensation. At Cohen & Cohen, we specialize in helping workers who have been injured due to negligence on construction sites. Whether the injury was caused by faulty equipment, electrical hazards, or inadequate supervision, our team can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your electrocution case and learn more about your legal options. As electrocution attorneys, we will fight to make sure your rights are protected – and we won’t stop until we get you the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Cohen & Cohen Law Firm
Looking for the best Queens construction accident lawyer? If you’ve been injured in an accident while on the job, call the construction accident attorneys at Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. now for a FREE consultation at (718) 550-5738. We are ready to fight for your rights as a construction worker. No matter the scope of your accident, our lawyers will work with industry professionals and accident reconstructionists to gain a clear understanding of your situation. By interviewing witnesses, reading the police report and consulting your doctors, we can begin developing a strong case strategy that takes into account your current injuries and any future difficulties they may present. Trust our firm to aggressively fight on your behalf from start to finish. We provide a free, no-obligation case evaluation and handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay lawyers’ fees if we do not help you recover monetary compensation for your claim. Call (718) 550-5738 to arrange an initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer near you. You may also use our convenient email contact form to request a return phone call about your case. Nosotros hablamos español (We speak Spanish) and мы говорим по русски (We speak Russian).
You have rights that must be protected, and you deserve a lawyer you can trust, with confidence, to protect them. Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., is a preeminent personal injury law firm in Queens. We serve injury victims and their families in all five boroughs and throughout the state of New York. We are founded on the principles of integrity, excellence and respect for our clients. Our goal is to not only maximize compensation for injury victims, but to go the extra mile to obtain optimal results.