The New York City metropolitan area has traditionally been a hotbed for construction activity, and 2014 will likely be no different. In fact, in 2012, nearly 27,000 new building permits were issued for the New York City metro area! Along with the growing number of construction sites, however, is the growing likelihood of construction accidents—namely electrical accidents. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), two types of standards violations involving electrical accidents were listed in the top ten most frequently cited construction site violations for the 2013 fiscal year. These two prevalent types of electrical accidents at work—namely violations related to wiring methods and general electrical maintenance requirements—can cause dangerous—if not lethal—electrical accidents at work.
To avoid sustaining future electrical accidents at work on your present or next construction project, it is important to take specific steps and precautions to safeguard yourself from succumbing to severe electrical accidents at work. By following some of the helpful tips below, you will help safeguard yourself from possible occupational injury or death resulting from electrical accidents at work. If you or someone you know was seriously injured from electrical accidents at work in construction, contact the NY construction attorneys of The Ashley Law Firm today to set up a consultation with one of our experienced NY construction attorneys.
Use Insulation On Wire Systems
Many electrical accidents can occur at work on construction sites when workers come into contact with exposed wires and suffer occupational injuries from electrical shock. This danger can be prevented by using insulating materials such as glass, mica, rubber or plastic to coat metal wires. Insulating wires can also prevent other types of electrical accidents at work such as fires and short circuits. Before insulating wires, make sure to talk to your supervisor to make sure that you are using the right insulating material for the type of voltage and wire metal you’re working with.
Use Guarding Techniques on Electric Equipment When Necessary
Some electrical accidents at work can also occur when electrical equipment requiring 50 volts or more is left out unsecured for any nearby construction worker to approach and use. Since this category of electrical equipment can be dangerous if used improperly, you should take precautions to guard this equipment. The most effective guarding strategies for electric equipment requiring 50 volts or more is to store it in a room, vault, balcony, gallery, elevated platform, or by surrounding it with permanent screens and conspicuous signs that discourage use by everyone other than authorized personnel.
Use Grounding Techniques on Electric Equipment
Other electrical accidents at work can occur when a buildup of voltages underground cause electric shock to nearby construction workers when they attempt walking over. This risk can be diminished in part by grounding the equipment, or intentionally creating a low-resistance path that connects the electrical system to the earth. While this procedure doesn’t guarantee avoidance of shock, it reduces the risk that otherwise would exist if grounding techniques were not used.
How our NYC Construction Lawyers Can Help
If you sustained serious occupational injuries from electrical accidents at work, it is important to contact experienced NYC construction lawyers to see whether you may have a possible claim. The NYC construction lawyers at The Ashley Law Firm can help you take the first steps toward determining whether you have a possible occupational injuries claim regarding your electrical accidents at work case. Contact The Ashley Law Firm today to talk with some of our best NYC construction lawyers for a free consultation to get started!
