Contact with or exposure to electricity continues to be a leading cause of workplace fatalities and injuries in the United States. Between 2011 and 2022, there was a total of 1,322 workplace fatalities involving electricity. During this period, 70 percent of fatalities occurred in non-electrically related occupations. Each year, the Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI) collects information on fatal occupational electrical injuries using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) Accident Investigation reports.
Workplace Fatalities and Injuries: 2011 – 2022
- 70 percent of workplace electrical fatalities occurred in non-electrical occupations.
- 30 percent of workplace electrical fatalities occurred in electrical occupations.
- 6 percent of all fatalities were caused by contact with electricity.
- There was a 1.5 percent average decrease in workplace electrical fatalities year over year.
- The construction industry had the highest number of electrical fatalities.
Occupations with the Most Electrical Fatalities
- Electricians: 195 fatalities
- Construction laborers: 119 fatalities
- Laborers, except construction: 117 fatalities
- Electrical power installers and repairers: 109 fatalities
- Tree trimming occupations: 94 fatalities
- HVAC and refrigeration mechanics: 42 fatalities
- Electricians’ apprentices: 37 fatalities
- Truck drivers, heavy: 35 fatalities
- Roofers: 29 fatalities
- Painters, construction and maintenance: 28 fatalities