Electrocution 1 in 5 Construction Deaths

Electrocution remains a major cause of deaths in construction. Part of the reason is that at home and on the job we take electricity for granted. This can lead to familiarity and a false sense of security. Relying on the benefits of electricity, we may forget its hazards. Historically, electrocution accounts for about 20% of all fatalities in construction. Unfortunately, last year was no exception. Four of the twenty construction deaths in 1999 were electrocutions. All of the fatalities resulted from overhead contact with powerlines -- a boom truck in one case, ladders in the other three. Overhead Contact Some people think that only cranes are involved in overhead contacts. But backhoes, dump trucks, and low-tech equipment like ladders and rolling scaffolds have also been involved. Nor does it take high-tension lines to kill construction people. Too many fatalities involve residential service.

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