The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires construction companies to maintain a workplace that is free of electrocution risks. This is crucial because it has been determined that about 40% of crane accidents lead to electrocution when the crane comes in contact with a power source.

To comply with this requirement, a construction company must follow OSHA regulations to: 

• Keep a safe distance between cranes and power lines - employers must make sure that power lines will be de-energized or out of striking distance of the crane and the crane's load. They can do this by performing at least one of these 3 procedures: visibly ground and de-energize transmission lines and electrical distribution; utilize insulated barriers to avoid contact with power lines or keep a minimum clearance distance between the crane and its load and power lines.

• Prevent obstructions to the crane operator's vision - if the crane operator's vision is obstructed and they cannot maintain clearance, someone should be designated to observe the clearance between the crane and power lines.
• Maintain a safe clearance - boom guards, warning devices and insulating links are no substitute for safe clearance and the grounding and de-energizing of power lines.  

Negligence often plays a role in construction site accidents. Crane accidents that also lead to electrocution injuries can result in permanent disability or death. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a crane accident in the Philadelphia area, you should discuss your legal options with a Philadelphia construction injury lawyer. An attorney may be able to seek compensation for your crane accident injuries through your Workers' Compensation claim or through a potential personal injury claim against a liable third party.

Help After a Philadelphia Crane Accident

If you have been severely injured in a Philadelphia crane accident, you shouldn't have to suffer and pay for expensive medical bills that were caused by another person's negligence. Contact a Philadelphia construction injury lawyer at White & Williams LLP today. We will provide a no-cost, no-obligation consultation on your case - 877-944-8396.