The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has released a report detailing occupational electrical fatalities and injuries from 2011-2023. Data was gathered from The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA). There were 1,940 workplace fatalities involving electricity during the 12 years, 74% of which occurred in non-electrically related occupations. The construction industry had the highest number of electrical fatalities.

Source: esfi.org

ESFI President Brett Brenner explains that this data is crucial to improve awareness and workplace safety around electrical injuries and fatalities, saying, “As the leading authority on workplace electrical safety, ESFI compiles this yearly data set to track the occupations most at risk for a workplace electrical incident. ESFI then uses this information to create workplace safety materials to reach a wide audience of workers. ESFI’s materials provide valuable information to help employees make safe choices and provide tips for creating a safer work environment. Utilize ESFI’s free-to-share resources to elevate the safety of your workplace and prevent avoidable workplace injuries and fatalities from occurring.”

To further break this down, here is a list of the leading causes of electrical fatalities and the occupations most at risk:

Electric fatality causes (as reported to OSHA)

• 48% working on or near energized wires or parts
• 41% contact with overhead powerlines
• 6% lockout/tagout safety devices removed
• 3% PPE issue
• 1% Arc flash/blast

Occupations with the most electrical fatalities (as reported to OSHA)

• Electricians:195
• Construction laborers: 119
• Laborers, except construction: 117
• Electrical power installers and repairers: 109
• Tree trimming occupations: 94
• HVAC and refrigerator mechanics: 42
• Electricians’ apprentices: 37
• Heavy truck drivers: 35
• Roofers: 29
• Painters, construction, and maintenance: 28 

Of the workers who experienced fatal injuries involving electricity, 33% died at private residences, 28% died in industrial locations, and 11% of fatal injuries occurred on a street or highway. 

To read the full report, visit the Electrical Safety Foundation International website. 

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