Construction Worker Shocked, Burned After Striking Power Line
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a construction worker suffered from burns after an electrical accident at a worksite in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, on Sunday morning.
Workplace Accident Investigation Ongoing
A construction crew was working on a renovation project at Mt. Lebanon High School when the accident occurred. An underground power line to the school campus was struck by crews digging in the area. A worker was shocked by an arc flash, suffering from electrical injuries and burns.
The man was transported University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for significant injuries, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The power lines to the campus were damaged in the accident, cutting power to the high school. Classes were cancelled on Monday as power is restored, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
On the Job Accident Statistics
The following information is provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
- 4,821 workers died on the job in 2014.
- 899 of these fatalities were in construction.
- On average, more than 92 deaths per week or more than 13 deaths every day.
- Worker deaths in America are down on average, from about 38 worker deaths a day in 1970 to 13 a day in 2014.
- Fatal work injuries involving contractors accounted for 17 percent of all fatal work injuries in 2014.
