Understanding the 4 Types of Electric Shock Injuries that Happen in Louisiana Workplaces
Working with electricity can be a daunting task, but it is one that is often critical to getting important work done. Even those workers who are extremely experienced and advanced in working with electrical components and electricity may experience near-accidents frequently on the job. When working with electricity on the job, there are four main accident types that can occur, and each of these accident types can cause serious injury and even death. In order to help Louisiana workers who work with electricity better understand the risks associated with such work, we share these 4 electric shock injury types, as advised by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In addition, we share with Louisiana workers what they should do if they are injured by electrical shock and are disabled from working.
The Four Types of Electric Shock Injuries
According to OSHA, there are four main types of electric shock injuries that occur on work sites. The first type of injury is the electric shock. According to OSHA, an electric shock injury “is a reflex response possibly involving trauma which occurs when electrical current passes over or through a worker’s body. It usually involves burns and abnormal heart rhythm and unconsciousness.” The second type of electric shock injury, according to OSHA is electrocution. An electrocution injury “occurs when electrical current passes over or through a worker’s body resulting in a fatality.” There is no doubt that electrocution is extremely hazardous, and is a fatal workplace accident. Third on the list is falls due to electric shock. OSHA explains that “electric shock may cause muscles to contract causing a worker to lose his or her balance and fall. An explosion from an electrical incident can also cause a fall.” Finally, the fourth type of electric shock injury that can happen in the workplace is an electric burn. According to OSHA, “electrical burns are the most common shock-related, nonfatal injury. They occur when a worker contacts energized electrical wiring or equipment.” Furthermore, OSHA notes that “although electrical burns can occur anywhere on the body, they most often occur on the hands and feet.”
Help for Injured Louisiana Workers
In Louisiana, most workers who are injured on the job and who are unable to work due to a workplace injury are entitled to Louisiana workers’ compensation benefits. Louisiana workers’ compensation benefits include things like wage replacement compensation, medical expense reimbursement, rehabilitation services, and more. In order to determine whether you are entitled to Louisiana worker’s compensation benefits after a severe workplace injury has occurred, it is best to speak with an experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.
The experienced Louisiana worker’s compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your workplace injury and to see if they can help to get you Louisiana workers’ compensation benefits due. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe today and speak to an experienced lawyer about your case for free.
