Electrocution is one of the most serious hazards on a construction site. According to OSHA, it’s among the “Fatal Four” causes of worker deaths in the industry, alongside falls, being struck by objects, and caught-in-between accidents. A single mistake around electricity can cause devastating burns, heart damage, or even death in a matter of seconds.
Construction workers face electrical dangers every day. From power tools and temporary wiring to overhead lines, the risks are everywhere. Understanding how these construction accidents happen is the first step toward preventing them.
What makes construction sites so dangerous when it comes to electricity?
Construction sites combine constant electrical use with unfinished systems and crowded workspaces. Power tools, lights, and heavy machinery all run on electricity. Much of it comes through temporary setups that aren’t designed for long-term safety.
Unlike finished buildings, construction sites often have exposed wiring, incomplete circuits, and ungrounded systems. Workers from different trades move through the same areas, which means electricians, carpenters, and laborers may all be exposed to hidden dangers. A live wire behind a wall, an extension cord running across wet ground, or a poorly grounded tool can turn a normal workday into a life-threatening situation.
Overhead and buried power lines
Overhead power lines are one of the most common sources of fatal electrical accidents. When scaffolding, cranes, or ladders make contact with a live line, the current can flow directly through the equipment into a worker’s body. In some cases, an electrical arc can even jump from the line without direct contact, causing severe burns and shock.
Buried power lines present a different kind of risk. Excavation and trenching crews may strike underground utilities if they aren’t properly located before digging. A backhoe bucket or shovel that cuts into a live wire can energize the entire piece of equipment, which can shock anyone who touches it. These accidents often happen because of rushed schedules or poor communication about utility maps.
Faulty or unfinished wiring
Wiring on an active job site is rarely complete. Live circuits may run through areas where other trades are working, and exposed wires can easily go unnoticed. Sometimes contractors set up temporary power systems that aren’t properly installed or inspected, which creates hidden dangers for anyone nearby.
One of the most common mistakes is failing to shut down power before beginning electrical work. When circuits remain energized, even a small slip can send current through a worker’s body. Cost-cutting, lack of supervision, or pressure to meet deadlines often lead to these unsafe shortcuts.
Defective tools and equipment
Electrical tools are only safe if they’re maintained and used properly. Frayed power cords, missing ground prongs, and damaged insulation all create pathways for electricity to escape. A worker holding a drill with a faulty cord may become the easiest route for current to flow.
Moisture can make these dangers worse. Tools that aren’t rated for outdoor use may short out when used in damp conditions. Employers are expected to inspect and replace aging equipment, but when that doesn’t happen, workers are left exposed to risks they can’t always see.
Wet conditions
Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, which means even small amounts can turn a minor hazard into a deadly one. Rain, puddles, and high humidity are common on outdoor construction sites, and when electrical equipment comes into contact with moisture, the results can be catastrophic.
For example, a worker standing in a puddle while using a saw plugged into a temporary outlet could be at risk. If the saw has a faulty cord, electricity can travel through the water, shocking the worker instantly. These accidents often occur because workers don’t realize how dangerous low-voltage electricity becomes when water is involved.
Inadequate training or safety practices
Many electrocution accidents are preventable with proper training and safety measures. Unfortunately, not all workers receive the education they need to recognize electrical hazards. A laborer may not know the difference between a grounded and ungrounded circuit, or the importance of lockout/tagout procedures that ensure systems are de-energized before repairs.
Poor-quality protective gear can also increase the risk of electrocution. Rubber gloves, insulated tools, and arc-rated clothing can dramatically reduce the severity of injuries, but only if workers are given the right equipment and trained to use it. When employers cut corners on safety programs, the risks fall directly on those doing the work.
What injuries can result from electrocution on construction sites?
Electrocution injuries range from immediate fatalities to long-term health problems that last a lifetime. Survivors often deal with chronic pain, reduced mobility, or the inability to return to their trade, making these injuries not only life-threatening but also life-changing. Some of the most common outcomes include:
- Burns: External burns where the current enters and exits the body, as well as internal burns that damage muscles, blood vessels, and organs.
- Cardiac arrest: Electricity can disrupt the heart’s rhythm, causing it to stop or beat irregularly.
- Neurological damage: Seizures, memory loss, and permanent nerve injuries can develop after electrical shock.
- Secondary injuries: Strong electrical currents can cause violent muscle contractions. This can throw workers from ladders or scaffolding and cause broken bones or head trauma.
What should I do after an electrocution injury on the job?
Hurt by electrocution on a construction site? The medical bills could pile up quickly, time away from work adds financial stress, and the road to recovery can feel uncertain. You shouldn’t have to carry that burden alone. Talking with a San Antonio construction accident lawyer is the first step toward understanding your rights and finding a path forward.
The Herrera Law Firm has seen the toll electrocution injuries take on workers and their families. We take the time to listen to your story, investigate what went wrong, and hold the right people accountable. When you meet with us for a free consultation, you’ll get straight answers and practical guidance from a team that knows how to fight for injured Texans.
You’ll never pay anything up front because we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t owe us a dime unless we recover compensation for you.
From San Antonio to communities across Texas, we’re here to stand by your side and help you rebuild after a serious construction accident. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and get the support you need.
