A study conducted by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) showed that 377 or 65% of 580 work-related electrocutions occurred in the construction industry. Nearly 30% of these electrocutions involved cranes. Electrocutions are part of what is known as the "fatal four," which represent the four main causes of fatal construction accidents – falls, struck-by injuries, caught in/between injuries and electrocutions.

If you have suffered electrical injuries involving crane operation or if you have lost a loved one in a crane-related electrocution, you may be able receive additional compensation for your damages and losses. These types of accidents have the potential to cause devastating injuries. An experienced crane accident lawyer will be able to help you better understand your legal rights and options.

The Dangers of Crane Electrocutions in Construction

Cranes are essential tools on construction sites, but when operated near power lines or other electrical sources, they pose a serious electrocution risk. These machines often extend high into the air, putting them in close proximity to overhead electrical wires that carry thousands of volts. A single misjudgment in distance or a lack of proper safety planning can result in the crane making contact with energized power lines, sending deadly currents through the machine, the operator, and anyone else nearby.

One of the greatest dangers is that electricity is invisible and silent. Crane operators may not realize they are too close to a power line until it is too late. Even if contact does not occur, electricity can arc from a power line to a crane boom if the crane gets too close. These arc flashes can be fatal without direct contact.

What makes crane-related electrocutions especially dangerous is their potential to cause secondary injuries. For example, an operator shocked while elevated may fall from the crane. Ground crew in contact with the equipment or its load may also be electrocuted. The combination of high voltage, heavy machinery, and elevation makes these incidents among the most catastrophic on construction sites.

Why Electrocutions Remain a Leading Cause of Construction Deaths

Despite decades of safety advancements, electrocution remains one of the "Fatal Four" leading causes of death in the construction industry. According to OSHA, electrocutions consistently account for a significant percentage of all construction fatalities each year. Several key factors contribute to the ongoing risk:

• Regular Exposure to Live Electrical Sources: Construction workers often operate near power lines, exposed wiring, electrical panels, and underground utilities. Without clear labeling, mapping, and safety training, workers may accidentally come into contact with these hazards.
• Lack of Proper Training: Many workers are not properly trained to recognize electrical hazards or understand safe clearance distances. In fast-paced or understaffed job sites, safety protocols may be skipped or ignored.
• Inadequate Planning and Oversight: General contractors and site supervisors are responsible for ensuring that cranes and other machinery maintain safe distances from power lines. Failure to plan crane operations with electrical hazards in mind significantly increases the risk of electrocution.
• Weather and Environmental Conditions: Wet conditions, high winds, and low visibility can make it harder for workers to see power lines or control cranes precisely. These factors can quickly turn a routine lift into a fatal accident.
• Outdated or Poorly Maintained Equipment: Old cranes or safety devices that are not regularly inspected or maintained can malfunction and contribute to accidents.

Until construction companies and site managers implement stronger training programs, more consistent oversight, and robust safety culture, electrocutions will continue to threaten workers' lives on job sites across the country.

What Are OSHA Regulations?

Current OSHA regulations require construction companies and others to take precautions when cranes and boomed vehicles are operated near overhead power lines. Any overhead power line should be considered energized unless the owner of the line or the utility company indicates that it has been de-energized and it is visibly grounded.

Under OSHA regulations, the overhead power lines must be de-energized or separated from the crane and its load by implementing one or more of the following procedures:

• De-energizing and visibly grounding electrical distribution and transmission lines.
• Use independent insulated barriers to prevent physical contact with the power lines.
• Maintain minimum clearance between energized power lines and the crane and its load.

Where it is difficult for the crane operator to maintain clearance by visual means, a person must be designated to observe the clearance between the energized power lines and the crane and its load. The use of cage-type boom guards, insulating links or proximity warning devices should not alter the need to follow the above precautions, according to OSHA standards, which clearly state that these devices are not a substitute for de-energizing and grounding power lines or maintaining safe line distances.

How Electrical Injuries Affect Workers

An electrical injury is essentially damage to the skin or internal organs when an individual comes into direct contact with an electrical current. The human body conducts electricity well. This means electricity easily passes through the human body. Therefore, direct contact with electricity can be deadly. Even if some electrical burns may not appear serious, there may still be serious internal damage especially to the vital organs such as the heart or the brain.

An electric current can cause injuries in several ways. It could trigger a cardiac arrest because of the electrical effect on the heart. It could destroy muscle, nerve, and tissue. It could cause thermal burns from contact with the electrical source. It could also lead to the worker falling off a crane after contact with electricity.

Liable Parties

Typically, when a worker is injured in a crane accident, he or she may be able to receive workers' compensation benefits through his or her employer. Workers' comp usually covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. When a worker is electrocuted in a crane accident, the deceased worker's family members may be able to receive death benefits through the workers' comp system.

However, in addition to workers' comp benefits, workers or their families may also be able to file a third-party electrocution accident lawsuit. There are a number of parties who can be held responsible for a crane accident including construction companies, general contractors, sub-contractors, individual construction workers, property owners, crane manufacturers and in some cases, even governmental agencies or electrical utility companies. Who can be held liable depends largely on the facts and circumstances of how the accident occurred.

In a third-party lawsuit, victims and their families will be entitled to additional compensation for damages such as permanent injuries, disabilities, lost earning capacity, disfigurement, cost of rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering (endured by the decedent) and loss of love, care and companionship.

How Can Crane Accident Lawyers Help?

Work injury lawyers play an important role in these types of cases. An experienced lawyer can interview victims and families to understand the facts and circumstances of the case as well as their medical needs. An injury lawyer can also help victims or their families gather evidence that could help determine who caused the accident.

Our knowledgeable workplace electrocution injury lawyers can also help you receive the largest possible settlement for their case. We can help determine the value of your case to help maximize compensation. At Greenberg & Ruby, we also offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation. Call us at (323) 782-0535 to find out how we can help you.