Electric shock accidents can cause injury ranging from relatively minor injuries through to life changing injuries with devastating effects. In the most serious cases it can even result in death.

Accidents at work involving electricity are common. Each year, around 1,000 electrical accidents in the workplace are reported to the Health and Safety Executive. Tragically, around 30 of these accidents result in fatalities.

Whilst there are some industries where the risk of electric shock or electrocution is more prevalent than others, virtually all workers are exposed to some degree of risk.

Employment as an electrician will obviously involve greater exposure to electricity, but many other employees in different sectors can also be at risk. Offices, for example, are full of electrical equipment such as computers and printers. The risk of an electric shock or electrocution injury can arise from just one faulty wire.

Accidents involving electricity can also occur in public places and involve members of the public. Many readers will be aware of the tragic case of Jack Piper-Sheach, the 10-year-old boy fatally electrocuted  at Tiffany’s Hotel on Blackpool Promenade. Jack, who was  on holiday with his family,  suffered a hypoxic brain injury due to prolonged cardiac arrest. He died  four days later.

Even low voltage circuits can cause injury. A current as low as 50 volts applied between two parts of the human body  can block the electrical signals between the brain and the muscles. This  can  result in effects such as stopping the heart beating properly, causing muscle spasms and preventing you from breathing. To put this into context, this is less than a quarter of the main supply in our homes which is 230 volts.

In some cases, direct contact with electricity is not necessary to sustain injury. Robert Frost, personal injury lawyer, comments: “I’ve previously acted for a client who suffered an electric shock injury whilst working in a laboratory. My client went to close the blinds when he was hit by an arc of electricity from a nearby loose hanging plug socket”.

“‘I deal with a number of cases where employees have suffered serious and life changing injuries because of the negligence of their employers. Companies need to keep on top of working practices to help prevent their staff from harm”.

Employers have wide legal duties to ensure the safety of their employees at work. They must, for example, provide suitable and safe equipment, provide adequate training and implement systems of work that do not require you to take unnecessary risks.

Those in control of public places also owe a duty of care to their visitors and must take steps and measures to ensure the reasonable safety of any visitors.

Do you know what to do if someone is electrocuted?

You should turn off the source of electricity if it’s possible to reach it safely. Then  call 999 to seek immediate medical assistance.

You must not approach the person or attempt to administer first aid until they are  no longer in contact with the electrical source that caused the shock or electrocution.

If you have suffered an electric shock or electrocution injury at work or in a public place you may be entitled to compensation and may be able to make a personal injury claim. Call Switalskis on 0800 138 0458  or email help@switalskis.com.