Electrical Fatalities Reported by Federal OSHA for Calendar Year 2014 With Consideration of Design Interventions

Electrical workplace fatalities for the calendar year 2014 (January 1, 2014-December 31, 2014) were evaluated from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) list of workplace fatalities and catastrophes. Electrocutions in U.S. workplaces continue to be a concern, especially for nonelectrical workers where electrical hazards may not be sufficiently recognized. This study includes a comparison between electrical fatalities of electrical and nonelectrical workers. The most common fatality from electrocution for nonelectrical workers was contact with power lines followed by contact with an energized machine, tool, appliance, or light fixture. The most common cause of a fatality among electrical workers was contact with wiring, a transformer, or other electrical components. Possible design interventions for the prevention of electrical fatalities are suggested. Design interventions are also needed for nonelectrical workers who may work near overhead power lines. Human costs are also considered in this study.