What causes electric shocks in the workplace?

Electric shocks can be dangerous, even from something as small as a 240v hairdryer. So when they occur from much higher voltage equipment, serious injury or even death can occur. The main causes of electric shocks in the workplace are:

• The presence of untested electrical equipment
• Unqualified staff being asked to work on electrical equipment
• Faulty or malfunctioning equipment

In both cases, where this has happened, your employer has failed in their duty of care to protect you from harm in the workplace, and you may have a case for seeking electric shock compensation on a No Win No Fee basis.

What sort of injuries do electric shocks cause?

In severe cases, a substantial electric shock can prove instantly fatal, which is why the regulations for the use of electrical items in the workplace are so strict. Even where an electric shock is not fatal, any or all of these serious symptoms and effects may occur:

• Burns: both minor and life-threatening
• Muscle spasms
• Breathing difficulties
• Irregular heartbeats
• Cardiac arrest
• Broken bones due to muscle spasm
• Damage to the nervous system

So, if you or a loved one have suffered an electric shock in the workplace, it's essential that you first seek medical treatment, and then talk to an electric shock solicitor about compensation for your injuries.

Who can claim electric shock compensation?

While you might imagine that it's mainly electricians that suffer electric shocks, they are generally too well trained to make a mistake where significant currents are present. In fact, just about any worker can be the victim of an electric shock due to poor maintenance or training, in all of these occupations, and more besides:

• Hairdressers
• Mechanics
• Engineers
• Cleaners
• Construction workers
• Office staff
• Care workers
• Nurses
• Theatre staff

If you've had a shock from faulty or untested electrical equipment, or have been hurt while doing a task you were asked to do but unqualified for, talk to us today about making an electric shock compensation claim.

What do I do if a colleague suffers an electric shock?

The most important thing is NOT TO TOUCH someone while they are suffering an electric shock. That's because your body will conduct the electricity, and you will also receive a shock, and be unable to help your colleague.

What are the regulations for electricity in the workplace?

While there are many regulations for the safe use of electricity and electrical items in the workplace, the two most important concern who is allowed to carry out electrical work, and how often all electrical equipment needs to be tested:

1. You should only be asked to work on electrical installations and equipment if you are suitably qualified

2. Every piece of electrical equipment in any workplace - from a kettle to an arc welding unit - must be maintained in good condition. Heavy items on building sites and in factories will need more regular testing than a kettle in a shop kitchen, but they must still be safe. It's therefore good practice for employers to make sure that all electrical equipment is regularly PAT tested for safety.

Make an electric shock compensation claim

Slater and Gordon will provide a sympathetic, professional and honest approach to people who come to us with electric shock injuries.

When you've suffered an electric shock, you need specialists you can talk to and trust. Speak to a solicitor about a electric shock compensation claim on 0330 041 5869 or online here.