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NIOSH

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

worker on electrical pole

Electrical current exposes workers to a serious, widespread workplace hazard. Many workers are exposed to electrical energy while completing their daily responsibilities, and many are unaware of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment — making them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution.

What electrical hazards do workers face?

There are four main types of electrical injuries:

  • Electrocution (fatal)
  • Electric shock
  • Burns
  • Falls caused as a result of contact with electrical energy

Resources

Publications

Electrical Safety: Safety and Health for Electrical Trades--Student Manual
NIOSH Publication No. 2009-113 (March 2009)
This student manual is part of a safety and health curriculum for secondary and post-secondary electrical trades courses. The manual is designed to engage the learner in recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazards associated with electrical work. It was developed through extensive research with vocational instructors, and we are grateful for their valuable contributions.

NIOSH Information Circular 9510: A Performance Evaluation of Two Overhead Power Line Proximity Warning Devices
NIOSH Publication No. 2009-110 (November 2008)
This Circular documents performance capabilities and limitations for two commercially available PWDs by identifying factors that can influence their operation.

Workplace Solutions: Preventing Worker Deaths and Injuries from Contacting Overhead Power Lines with Metal Ladders
NIOSH Publication No. 2007-155 (September 2007)
Workers risk electrocution when using metal ladders around energized, overhead power lines. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed recommendations to prevent injuries and deaths while working with metal ladders.

NIOSH Alert: Request for Preventing Worker Deaths from Uncontrolled Release of Electrical, Mechanical, and Other Types of Hazardous Energy
NIOSH Publication No. 99-110 (August 1999)
This Alert describes five fatal incidents in which workers contacted uncontrolled hazardous energy during installation, maintenance, service, or repair work. To prevent such deaths, the recommendations in this Alert should be followed by every employer, manager, supervisor, and worker who installs, maintains, services, or repairs machines, equipment, processes, or systems.

Worker Deaths by Electrocution: A Summary of Surveillance Findings and Investigative Case Reports
NIOSH Publication No. 98-131 (May 1998)
This monograph summarizes surveillance data and investigative reports of fatal incidents involving workers who came into contact with electrical current. The surveillance data were derived from the National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities (NTOF) surveillance system maintained by NIOSH. The NTOF data are based on death certificates of workers 16 years or older who died from a traumatic injury in the workplace. The fatality investigations were conducted as part of the NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) program.

NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance in Preventing Electrocutions of Crane Operators and Crew Members Working Near Overhead Power Lines
NIOSH Publication No. 95-108 (May 1995)
This Alert describes five cases (six electrocutions) that resulted from the hazards of operating cranes near overhead power lines and makes recommendations for preventing similar incidents. The Alert updates a previous NIOSH Alert published in July 1985 [NIOSH 1985].
En español

NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance in Preventing Injuries and Deaths from Metal-Reinforced Hydraulic Hoses
NIOSH Publication No. 93-105 (May 1993)
This publication emphasizes the hazards from the use of metal-reinforced hydraulic hoses and aerial bucket trucks near energized power lines. Reports indicate that metal-reinforced hydraulic hoses may rupture and cause fires if they contact energized power lines. Electric current flowing through the metal reinforcement may also create an electrocution hazard. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the use of non-conducting hydraulic hoses near energized power lines.

NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance in Preventing Falls and Electrocutions During Tree Trimming
NIOSH Publication No. 92-106 (August 1992)
This Alert describes eight incidents involving five electrocutions and three fatal falls of tree trimmers. NIOSH investigations conducted under the Fatality Assessment Control Evaluation (FACE) program suggest that many tree trimmers and their employers lack training and knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and may be unaware of the risk posed by inadequate or improper safety procedures and equipment.
En español

NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance in Preventing Electrocutions During Work with Scaffolds Near Overhead Power Lines
NIOSH Publication No. 91-110 (August 1991)
This Alert describes 13 deaths that occurred in six separate incidents when workers erected or moved scaffolds that came into contact with energized, overhead power lines, or when they contacted overhead power lines while using conductive tools or materials from scaffolds. To prevent such electrocutions, the recommendations in this Alert should be followed where scaffolds and conductive tools or materials are used near overhead power lines.

NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance in Preventing Electrocutions of Workers Using Portable Metal Ladders Near Overhead Power Lines
NIOSH Publication No. 89-110 (July 1989)
This Alert describes six deaths that occurred because portable aluminum ladders, which conduct electrical current, came in contact with energized overhead power lines. If nonconductive ladders had been used instead, or if safe working clearances had been maintained, these deaths might have been prevented.
En español

NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance in Preventing Electrocutions by Undetected Feedback Electrical Energy Present in Power Lines
NIOSH Publication No. 88-104 (December 1987)
This Alert describes two cases of workers who died as a result of feedback electrical energy, which is one cause of occupational electrocutions. Additional case reports are referenced whose circumstances are almost identical to those described. Evaluation of these cases identified three major areas of concern to prevent future incidents: (1) training in proper electrical procedures, (2) verification that power lines are de-energized and properly grounded before work is performed on them, and (3) detection of feedback electrical energy.

NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance in Preventing Fatalities of Workers Who Contact Electrical Energy
NIOSH Publication No. 87-103 (December 1986)
This Alert describes recommendations that can be used to help save the lives of workers who contact electrical energy. Recent incidents have shown that electrocution victims can be revived if immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or defibrillation is provided. While immediate defibrillation would be ideal, CPR given within approximately 4 minutes of the electrocution, followed by advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) measures within approximately 8 minutes, can be lifesaving.

NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance in Preventing Electrocutions Due to Damaged Receptacles and Connectors
NIOSH Publication No. 87-100 (October 1986)
This Alert presents information on two fatal electrocutions that occurred as a result of using damaged receptacles and connectors. The investigations indicate that periodic inspection, recognition of hazards, and proper use of receptacles and connectors, and prompt repair of damaged connectors and receptacles, could prevent such incidents.

NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance in Preventing Grain Auger Electrocutions
NIOSH Publication No. 86-119 (July 1986)
This Alert describes two separate incidents that occurred while moving metal grain augers which resulted in five fatalities. The grain auger is an essential piece of farm equipment which is used to transfer grain from one location to another. However, every year electrocutions occur when this piece of equipment is improperly moved in the elevated position and it comes into contact with high voltage power lines.

NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance in Preventing Electrocutions from Contact Between Cranes and Power Lines
NIOSH Publication No. 85-111 (July 1985)
This Alert presents information on five cases which resulted in six fatal injuries involving crane-related electrocutions. NIOSH's findings concluded that full compliance with relevant OSHA standards and full use of the CSA-Ontario work practices would have prevented each fatality.

NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance in Preventing Electrocutions of Workers in Fast Food Restaurants
NIOSH Publication No. 85-104 (December 1984)
This Alert includes one case of an accidental electrocution in a fast food restaurant. Electrical hazards in the kitchens of commercial restaurants are particular concern because of the variety of electrical appliances in use. NIOSH recommends that all workers, when hired, be made aware of electrical hazards and of safe work practices to be followed to avoid these hazards.

NIOSH and State Fatality Investigations

Since the inception of the FACE program in 1982, hundreds of fatal incidents involving electrocutions have been investigated by NIOSH and State investigators. These links provide lists of those cases.

The NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program investigates traumatic and medical-related line-of-duty fire fighter deaths, including electrocutions and electrical shock related deaths. The following link provides lists of those cases.

Other Electrical Safety Resources

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