An electrocution incident in the workplace is an immediate, life-threatening emergency. The primary objective is to safeguard yourself and others, as touching a person still in contact with a live current can cause a dangerous chain reaction of electrocution. Focusing on scene safety first ensures that subsequent actions taken to aid your coworker will be effective and not contribute to the danger.
Prioritizing Safety and Disconnecting the Power Source
The first step is to break the electrical circuit, which makes the scene safe for the victim and the rescuer. If possible and safe, immediately turn off the main power switch, flip the circuit breaker, or unplug the machine or cord involved in the incident. Identifying the correct power isolation point must be done quickly.
If the power source cannot be immediately disconnected, you must separate the coworker from the current using only non-conductive materials to avoid becoming part of the circuit yourself. Materials like a dry wooden broom handle, a plastic pipe, a dry length of rope, or a rubber mat can be used to push the person or the electrical source away. Never use anything metal or wet, as these conduct electricity and will transfer the current to you.
Maintaining a safe distance is also important, especially if the incident involves high-voltage sources like downed power lines, where electricity can arc or travel through the ground. Water is a highly effective conductor, so if the victim is in a wet area, extreme caution is necessary, and the area should be considered live until the power is confirmed off. Once the coworker is no longer in contact with the electrical source, you can safely approach to provide aid.
Activating Emergency Services and Assessing the Victim
Immediately after confirming the scene is safe, you or a designated bystander must call for emergency medical services (EMS). Provide the emergency dispatcher with the precise location, including the company name and department, and clearly state that the victim has suffered an electric shock. Also relay what steps have been taken, specifically confirming that the power has been disconnected and the scene is secure.
While awaiting professional help, perform a rapid initial assessment of your coworker, checking for responsiveness by gently speaking to them. If the victim is unresponsive, quickly assess their breathing and pulse. Electrical current can cause the heart to stop completely (cardiac arrest), so a pulse check is a critical step.
An electrical injury can cause severe internal damage that is not immediately visible; even if the person seems fine, they require immediate medical attention. Look for external signs of injury, such as burns at the points where the current entered and exited the body, but do not delay further action to perform a detailed inspection. If the victim is breathing and has a pulse, keep them still and monitor their condition closely until EMS arrives.
Administering First Aid While Awaiting Help
If the coworker is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse, immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you are trained to do so. CPR is the life-saving intervention needed to manually circulate blood and oxygen until the heart can be restarted or professional help can intervene. Continue chest compressions and rescue breaths until paramedics take over or the person shows signs of life.
Electrical contact commonly results in two types of external injuries: entry and exit burns, which can look deceptively minor on the skin but signify serious internal tissue damage. Treat any visible burns by covering them loosely with a sterile gauze bandage or a clean, dry cloth. Do not apply ointments, ice, or attempt to remove any clothing that may be stuck to the burned area.
Victims of electrocution are at high risk of going into shock, which is a state of insufficient blood flow to the body’s tissues. Signs of shock include paleness, a weak or rapid pulse, and fainting. To manage this, lay the person down with their head slightly lower than their torso and, if no head, neck, or spine injuries are suspected, elevate their legs about 12 inches. Keep the coworker warm with a blanket or coat to prevent hypothermia.
Required Post-Incident Reporting
After the medical emergency has been addressed, the focus shifts to administrative and regulatory compliance. An internal accident report must be completed promptly, documenting the details of the incident, the victim’s injuries, and the actions taken by responders. This documentation helps the employer investigate the root cause and implement corrective measures to prevent future occurrences.
For severe injuries, such as hospitalization, or in the event of a fatality, the incident must be reported to the relevant national workplace safety body, like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States, within a short timeframe. This external reporting is a legal requirement designed to track and analyze serious workplace hazards.
The scene of the incident must be secured and preserved for investigation purposes after the victim has been transported by EMS. Tampering with the equipment or the area before investigators arrive can compromise the ability to determine the exact cause of the electrical fault. Securing the scene ensures that all evidence is maintained for a thorough and accurate post-incident analysis.