Epidemiology of Electrical Injury

Electrical Injury and Trauma Resources

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2011–2023), contact with electricity accounts for an average of 150 workplace fatalities per year, representing approximately 5.6% of all occupational deaths.
  • Data from OSHA show that electricians, construction workers, and non-construction laborers experience the highest rates of electrical fatalities. Nearly 48% of these deaths result from contact with overhead power lines, followed by unexpected contact with electricity (19%) and contact with nearby energized equipment (13%).
  • For nonfatal electrical injuries, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2021–2022, the median number of days away from work was five. Among these cases, 730 workers missed one day (the shortest duration), while 890 missed 30 days or more (the longest duration).
  • Workers aged 25–34 years experienced the highest number of nonfatal electrical injuries requiring time away from work, followed by those aged 35–44 years (BLS, 2021-2022).
  • 78% of a sample of electrical trauma survivors were found to have one or two psychiatric diagnoses, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, cognitive disorder NOS, or mental disorder NOS. (JINS 2006 12:17)
  • Electrical injury mortality rate is 3-15%, resulting in 3-5 deaths/million inhabitants of Europe. The survivors' long-term consequences are more frequent, with 25-70 percent of accidents resulting in amputations & neurological sequelae in young adults. (Lancet 2004 363:2136)
  • Electrical injuries' cost to employers has been approximated as $15.75 million per case in direct and indirect costs. (Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA)