Working with electricity will always be hazardous. Inexperienced or unqualified individuals must never be allowed to handle electrical installations. It is the responsibility of California employers to verify the qualifications of electricians and ensure that unskilled helpers are not left to perform the jobs. Such an oversight might have led to fatal workplace injuries suffered by a man in another state.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported that it is currently investigating an electrocution incident that occurred on a recent Tuesday morning. Reportedly, a business purchased an air conditioning system and contracted another company to install it in an attic. The contractor apparently left the room briefly to go to his truck and discovered his unresponsive assistant upon return. Nobody witnessed the tragedy.
Emergency workers and the police were called. When police arrived at the scene, CPR treatment was started. After firefighters managed to bring the injured man out of the attic, he was rushed to a medical facility while CPR continued on the ride in the ambulance. Sadly, the electrician’s helper died at the emergency room.
Leaving the unqualified worker alone during an electrical installation may have led to the death of this man. When California residents lose loved ones to fatal workplace injuries, they may find comfort knowing that financial relief is available. Death benefits claims may be filed with the workers’ compensation insurance fund. Along with financial assistance based on the deceased worker’s weekly wage, coverage will be provided for medical bills and the expenses related to end-of-life arrangements.
Source: terrelltribune.com, “UPDATE: OSHA investigating Terrell electrocution“, Gary E. Lindsley, June 15, 2016