There was a deadly construction accident in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 8, 2024. According to reports, a worker was on a ladder when he was electrocuted. Following this, the worker fell to the ground below. He was transported to a local hospital, but was pronounced dead. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this deadly incident.
Electrocution is one of the leading causes of accidents on construction sites, posing a significant risk to workers due to the prevalent use of electrical tools, wiring, and the proximity to power lines. The risk is notably heightened when workers are using ladders, which are commonly employed on construction sites for reaching elevated areas. The combination of height and electricity introduces complex safety challenges that must be meticulously managed to prevent serious accidents.
When working on ladders, construction workers are often at an increased risk of encountering live electrical wires or power sources. Whether installing fixtures, conducting building maintenance, or accessing high areas, the metal or even wet wooden ladders can conduct electricity if they come into contact with electrical sources. This contact can lead to electrocution, which is especially dangerous at height, as the worker may suffer a double jeopardy from the electric shock and a potential fall from the ladder.
Moreover, the use of ladders near overhead power lines is particularly hazardous. Workers may inadvertently move ladders into power lines or work so close that electricity arcs to a ladder or a tool. Since electricity follows the path of least resistance, a ladder can become a conductor, sending electricity through the worker’s body, leading to severe injuries or fatality. Ensuring that ladders are positioned away from overhead lines, and that workers maintain a safe distance, becomes critically important in such scenarios.
To mitigate these risks, construction sites must enforce strict safety protocols, including comprehensive training for workers on the dangers of electricity and the correct use of ladders. Regular safety audits and equipment checks are essential to ensure all electrical installations are up to code and that no wires are exposed or within reach of workers on ladders. Additionally, the use of non-conductive ladders made from fiberglass when working near electrical sources can significantly reduce the risk of electrocution. These preventive measures are crucial not only for worker safety but also for compliance with occupational health and safety regulations that aim to protect workers from electrical hazards on construction sites.
Tragically, there have been a number of recent deaths and injuries on construction projects. There was a crane accident in Braintree, Massachusetts on May 1, 2024. A deadly fall accident occurred at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino project in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on May 2, 2024. A metal drum escaped a construction project and hit and killed a bystander in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 3, 2024. A scissor lift fell over at a construction project at Centennial Village at the University of Miami on April 27, 2024. A worker fell into a trench while installing a storm drain and was killed in Kenilworth, New Jersey on May 6, 2024.
Despite being a vital part of the economy, construction projects often pose severe hazards both to construction workers and to the general public if precautions are not taken. Each construction project poses its own unique risks and hazards based on the work being done. Risks that may present themselves during a project must be carefully evaluated before the job begins.
Our experienced lawyers have handled personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits of all kinds and have the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously hurt. The experienced construction personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an accident at a work site.
Our lawyers have represented numerous workers who have sustained serious and catastrophic injuries on a job site as a result of the negligence of another party. There are strict and short time limits on making claims, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.