Contact with or exposure to electricity continues to be one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries in the United States. Between 2011 and 2022, there was a total of 1,322 workplace fatalities involving electricity, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). During this period, 70% of fatalities occurred in non-electrically related occupations. 

Workplace Electrical Fatalities as Reported to OSHA

  • 70% of workplace electrical fatalities occurred in non-electrical occupations
  • 30% of workplace electrical fatalities occurred in electrical occupations
  • 6% of all fatalities were caused by contact with electricity
  • 1.5% average decrease in workplace electrical fatalities year over year

Occupations Involved in Electrical Fatalities as Reported to OSHA

  • Occupations with the most electrical fatalities:
    • Electricians: 195 fatalities
    • Construction Laborers: 119 fatalities 
    • Laborers, Except Construction: 117 fatalities 
    • Electrical Power Installers & Repairers: 109 fatalities 
    • Tree Trimming Occupations: 94 fatalities
    • HVAC & Refrigeration Mechanics: 42 fatalities 
    • Electricians’ Apprentices: 37 fatalities 
    • Truck Drivers, Heavy: 35 fatalities 
    • Roofers: 29 fatalities 
    • Painters, Construction & Maintenance: 28 fatalities 

Electrical Fatality Causes as Reported to OSHA

Electrical Fatality Causes, 2011 - 2022

  • 48% Working on or near Energized Wires or Parts
  • 41% Contact with Overhead Power Lines
  • 6% Lockout / Tagout or Safety Devices Removed
  • 3% PPE Issue
  • 1% Arc-Flash / Blast

The construction industry has the highest number of electrical fatalities

Electrical Fatality Rates (Bureau of Labor Statistics )

  • Electrical fatality rates per 100,000 workers have remained consistent while overall fatality rates have increased
  • Hispanic or Latino workers have the highest rate of electrical fatalities at 0.18 fatalities per 100,00 workers:
    • White, non-Hispanic: 0.1 fatalities per 100,000 workers
    • Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 0.06 fatalities per 100,000 workers
  • Construction and extraction occupations, installation, maintenance, and repair occupations, and building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations have the highest rate of electrical fatalities.