There are four main types of electrical injuries:
- Flash injuries are caused by an arc flash and are typically associated with superficial burns, as no electrical current travels past the skin.
- Flame injuries occur when an arc flash ignites an individual’s clothing, and electrical current may or may not pass the skin in these cases.
- Lightning injuries involve extremely short but very high voltage electrical energy and are associated with an electrical current flowing through the individual’s entire body.
- True electrical injuries involve an individual becoming part of an electrical circuit. In these cases, an entrance and exit site are usually found.
About half of all electrocution accidents in an occupational setting occur as a result of contact with power lines and about a quarter result from electrical machines or tools. While most are relatively minor, many victims suffer lasting injuries from electrocution.
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) reported that 63 electrocutions occurred during a recent 10-year span. Approximately 60 percent of these deaths involved someone working in the construction industry.
