We all depend on electricity to power our homes, businesses, and the stores we shop at. It’s something we take for granted – until it goes out.
When a winter storm hits Louisiana and brings ice and sleet, as it did in late January, critical infrastructure, including power lines, is often damaged. When this happens, brave lineworkers and other first responders are on the front lines, helping bring our communities back to normal.
Given the safety risks and disruptions posed by power outages during storms and in the days that follow, repairing downed power lines is always a priority in New Orleans and throughout the state. But the job of a lineworker is not easy or simple, and treacherous weather conditions increase the risks of electrical accidents.
High winds, rain, ice, snow, and sometimes frigid temperatures are thrown into the mix, putting workers at greater risk of electrical injury. Unfortunately, we were recently reminded of the dangers of repairing power lines when a Louisiana lineman was seriously injured.
Entergy employee Hunter Alexander was working on a line in Jonesboro that was damaged by winter storm Fern when he suffered an electric shock. He was rushed to the hospital, but once doctors assessed his condition and realized he needed specialized care, he was airlifted to a burn unit in Shreveport.
But even the transport to Shreveport wasn’t easy; the helicopter couldn’t land right away because of icy conditions from the Louisiana ice storm.
Alexander needed fasciotomy surgery due to blood flow issues in his arms. While he was initially placed on a ventilator, was released from the hospital to recover at home, but had to undergo another surgery when complications from his burns arose.
This electrical accident came just a few months after the fatal electrocution of a crew member on a New Orleans movie set. It was yet another reminder of how dangerous power lines are.
Being a lineworker is a dangerous job, and there are many types of electrical accidents that can occur when restoring power, especially after a Louisiana storm. Following safety standards and taking other steps to protect both workers and the public who may come into contact with power lines is crucial.
Causes of Electrical Injuries Among Power Line Workers
After a storm damages power lines and it’s safe enough, a lineman’s work begins. They work long hours and often face poor weather conditions, both of which increase the risk of electrical accidents.
But these accidents typically result in serious electrical injuries that have devastating effects. Understanding where the dangers are and what to do if you’re hurt in an electrical accident is important.
The most common causes of electrical injuries among lineworkers include:
- Electrocution
- Falls
- Fatigue and stress
- Falling debris
- Environmental hazards
Electric shock and electrocutions can occur for a number of reasons during storm repairs; power lines that appear inactive (“dead”) but aren’t, or that become re-energized; backfeed from residential generator use; wet conditions that create electrical conductors; and electrical arcs can all lead to electric shock accidents.
When repairing power lines that are damaged or downed from a storm in Louisiana, there’s a risk of debris injuring workers. They’re often working while the weather is still treacherous, increasing the risk of broken branches and ice becoming electrical hazards.
Since power line repairs take place high off the ground, falls are a common cause of injury among lineworkers. Sometimes, falling is secondary to the accident; electric shocks and explosions can throw workers from their buckets, worsening their injuries.
Then there are the weather conditions, fatigue, and stress that create dangerous conditions. Working in poor weather for long hours and feeling pressure to restore power as quickly as possible after a Louisiana storm can all cause electrical accidents. Workers can be distracted with worries about their own homes and the safety of their families if they live in the area.
Such dangerous working conditions and the high voltage of electricity carried through power lines mean the injuries power line workers suffer are usually serious. Electric shocks and electrocutions can cause a variety of injuries, including minor to severe burns that cause internal damage, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest.
There are also extensive mental health and psychological effects that electrical accident victims experience. From migraines and tinnitus to epilepsy and tremors, electrical injuries can have lifelong repercussions and cause permanent disabilities.
Workplace Electrical Injury Statistics
The dangers of linemen's work were reinforced in a recent report on workplace injury and fatality statistics in the U.S. from the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). The statistics compiled noted there’s an average of 150 workplace electrical fatalities every year in the U.S. The ESFI report highlighted that 48.2% of all workplace fatalities were caused by contact with overhead power lines.
Unfortunately, many electrical accidents are preventable; mistakes are made, utility companies fail to meet safety standards, like falling behind on power line inspections and repairs, and workers suffer burnout or aren’t properly trained. This is why, when a worker or member of the public is injured, it’s important to speak with an electrical accident attorney to determine whether the injury involved negligence.
Recovering from an electrical injury can take weeks, months, or longer, and can cause lifelong health struggles. And when a family member dies in an electrical accident, those they leave behind often struggle to make ends meet and suffer immense grief.
Given the seriousness of many electrical injuries, holding the negligent party accountable can help cover the cost of medical bills, time off work, future impacts of injuries, and pain and suffering. If you’re involved in an electrical accident, seeking legal guidance can protect you and your family.
For more information about legal options following an electrical accident, contact Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain (HKGC) online, via live chat, or by calling 1-844-943-7626 for a free consultation.
