Electrical injuries on construction sites can range from minor shocks to fatal electrocutions, with serious burns, neurological damage, and cardiac complications in between. They are also among the most preventable injuries when basic OSHA and NEC requirements are followed.
The Detailed Answer
Electrical safety on construction sites is governed by multiple overlapping rules. OSHA’s construction electrical safety standards live in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart K, covering installation safety requirements, safety-related work practices, safety-related maintenance and environmental considerations, and safety requirements for special equipment.
The National Electrical Code
The National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) is the consensus standard for electrical installation across the United States. OSHA incorporates many NEC provisions, and an installation that violates the NEC will often violate OSHA as well. Expert testimony in Delaware electrical injury cases frequently relies on NEC compliance as a measure of reasonable care.
Common Electrical Hazards
Construction electrical injuries typically arise from:
- Contact with overhead power lines (cranes, scaffolds, ladders)
- Failure to lock out / tag out energized circuits
- Damaged extension cords and temporary wiring
- Missing or defective ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)
- Improper grounding of equipment
- Working on “dead” circuits that were not actually de-energized
- Defective tools and equipment
Lockout / Tagout
OSHA’s general industry lockout/tagout standard at 29 CFR 1910.147 and construction-related provisions require de-energizing and securing equipment before work. Failures to follow lockout/tagout protocols are a common cause of electrocutions.
Potential Defendants
An electrocution case may involve claims against:
- The electrical subcontractor that installed the system
- The general contractor responsible for site coordination
- The utility company (in overhead-line cases)
- The property owner
- The manufacturer of defective tools or equipment
What This Means for Your Case
Electrical injuries often involve internal damage that develops over time — neurological, cardiac, and musculoskeletal effects can appear weeks or months after the initial incident. Complete medical workup is essential, and so is preservation of the equipment and the scene. Delaware’s two-year statute of limitations under 10 Del. C. § 8119 applies, and modified comparative negligence under 10 Del. C. § 8132 may affect recovery.
Related Questions
Q: What if I was hit by a power line while operating a crane?
Power-line contact cases often involve the utility, the crane operator’s employer, the crane manufacturer, and the contractor responsible for site planning. OSHA crane standards have specific clearance requirements for energized lines.
Q: What if the breaker was supposed to be off?
Failure of lockout/tagout is one of the most-cited OSHA violations in electrocution cases. The party responsible for de-energizing the circuit may bear primary responsibility.
Q: What about delayed cardiac effects?
Electrical injuries can cause cardiac arrhythmias hours or days after the event. A cardiology workup is often appropriate even when the initial shock seemed minor.
When to Talk to a Delaware Construction Lawyer
Electrical injury cases require fast preservation of equipment and detailed engineering analysis. Joseph M. Jachetti — Delaware Bar #003744, licensed since December 1998 — has experience handling Delaware construction injury claims and worked as an insurance claims adjuster for ten years before joining the Bar. Read more about Joseph, our construction accident practice, and related questions like OSHA’s role in construction cases and third-party general contractor claims.
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This page provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, contact Schuster Jachetti LLP.
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This page provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, contact Schuster Jachetti LLP.