Every year the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) compiles workplace safety data from the Bureau of Labor Statsitics (BLS) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to track trends on electrical safety in the workplace.
- Electrical fatality rates have stayed steady between 2011 – 2024
- 1,654 electrical fatalities in the workplace between 2011 – 2024 according to OSHA
- 70% of all workpalce electrical fatalities are in non-electrical occupations
Workpalce Electrical Fatalities by Industries
6 industries experienced 44% of all workplace electrical fatalities
- Electrical and other wiring install contractors
- Landscaping services
- Roofing contractors
- Power and communication line and related structure construction
- Plumbing, heating, and AC contractors
- Electric power distribution
Workplace Electrical Fatalities by Occupations
5 occupations accounted for almost 50% of all worplace electrical fatalities
- Tree trimming occupations
- Electrical power installers and repairers
- Laborers, except construction
- Construction laborers
- Electricians
Two occupations have a growing number of electrical fatalities: tree trimming occupations and heavy truck drivers
Causes of Electrical Falaities
- Overhead power line contact: 42.8%
- Unexpected contact with electricity: 19.3%
- Neaby energized equipment contact: 12.7%
- Working on energized parts: 4.1%
- Ground-faults: 4.0%
- Arc-Flash: 2.0%
Biennial data from the BLS shows 5,180 workplace electrical injuries involving days away from work between 2023 and 2024. More information may be found at: www.ESFI.org/workplace-safety
