Roofing work near overhead power lines creates one of the most dangerous situations in construction. When roofers suffer electrical burns from contact with live wires, the injuries are often severe and life-threatening. These accidents can cause devastating burns, neurological damage, cardiac problems, and permanent disabilities. Understanding how to navigate workers’ compensation claims for electrical injuries is crucial for securing the extensive medical care and financial support these catastrophic injuries require.
Understanding Electrical Hazards in Roofing
Overhead power lines pose serious risks to roofers working on residential and commercial buildings. Common scenarios that lead to electrical contact include:
- Metal roofing materials making contact with nearby power lines
- Ladders or scaffolding positioned too close to electrical wires
- Long materials like metal pipes or sheets swinging into power lines during installation
- Equipment booms or crane operations that contact overhead wires
- Workers climbing or reaching near power lines without adequate clearance
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requires maintaining at least 10 feet of clearance from power lines, but many roofing projects occur in tight spaces where this distance is difficult to achieve.
Types of Electrical Injuries in Roofing
Direct Contact Burns
When roofers directly touch energized power lines, electrical current passes through their body, causing:
Entry and exit wounds where electricity enters and leaves the body, often causing severe tissue damage at both points.
Deep tissue burns that damage muscles, nerves, and internal organs along the electrical pathway through the body.
Cardiac complications including irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest, or long-term heart rhythm problems.
Arc Flash Injuries
Electrical arcs can occur when workers come close to power lines without making direct contact:
- Severe burns from the intense heat generated by electrical arcs
- Eye injuries from the bright flash that can cause temporary or permanent vision loss
- Respiratory damage from inhaling heated gases and metal vapors
- Hearing loss from the explosive sound of electrical arcing
Secondary Injuries
Electrical shock often causes workers to fall from roofs or lose control of equipment:
- Traumatic injuries from falls after electrical contact
- Burns from hot tools or materials dropped during electrical shock
- Fractures and head injuries from losing consciousness and falling
Immediate Steps After Electrical Injury
Emergency Medical Response
Electrical injuries require immediate professional medical attention, even if burns appear minor:
Call 911 immediately as electrical injuries can cause internal damage not visible on the surface.
Do not touch the injured worker if they may still be in contact with electrical current until power is shut off.
Begin CPR if necessary as electrical shock can cause cardiac arrest requiring immediate resuscitation.
Document the scene by having someone photograph the accident location, power lines involved, and any equipment that made contact.
Incident Reporting
Ensure proper documentation of the electrical accident:
- Report the incident to your supervisor and safety manager immediately
- Contact the utility company to report power line involvement
- Ensure the accident is recorded in workplace injury logs
- Preserve all equipment involved in the electrical contact
Building Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Medical Documentation Requirements
Electrical injury claims require comprehensive medical evidence due to the complex nature of these injuries:
Emergency room records documenting the electrical contact, entry and exit wounds, and all immediate treatment provided.
Cardiac monitoring results showing any heart rhythm irregularities or other cardiac complications from electrical shock.
Burn treatment documentation including wound care, skin grafts, and plastic surgery procedures required for recovery.
Neurological evaluations to assess any nerve damage, cognitive impairment, or other neurological effects from electrical trauma.
Proving Workplace Origin
Establish that your electrical injury occurred during work activities by documenting:
Work assignment records showing you were scheduled to work on the specific roof where the accident occurred.
Project documentation proving overhead power lines were present in the work area.
Witness statements from coworkers who saw the electrical contact or were present when the accident happened.
Safety meeting records showing discussions about power line hazards at the job site.
Long-term Medical Monitoring
Electrical injuries can cause delayed complications that develop months or years after the initial accident:
- Neurological problems including memory loss, concentration difficulties, and coordination issues
- Cardiac complications that may not appear until later
- Chronic pain from nerve damage along electrical pathways
- Increased risk of cataracts and other eye problems from electrical exposure
Third-Party Liability Considerations
Unlike typical workers’ compensation cases, electrical injuries involving power lines often create opportunities for additional compensation through third-party claims.
Utility Company Liability
Electric utility companies have legal obligations to maintain safe clearances and warn of electrical hazards:
Inadequate clearance when power lines are positioned too close to buildings under construction or repair.
Failure to provide warnings about electrical hazards when roofing work is planned near power lines.
Defective equipment such as poorly maintained power lines or inadequate insulation that increases injury risk.
General Contractor Responsibility
General contractors must coordinate safety measures for all trades working on construction sites:
- Failure to identify electrical hazards during project planning
- Inadequate safety training about power line risks
- Poor coordination with utility companies to address electrical hazards
- Allowing work to proceed without proper safety measures in place
Maximizing Your Recovery
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Electrical injury cases typically involve extensive medical needs and long-term disabilities:
Complete medical coverage for emergency treatment, burn care, reconstructive surgery, and ongoing rehabilitation.
Temporary disability payments during the extended recovery period often required for severe electrical burns.
Permanent disability benefits reflecting the lasting impairments common with electrical injuries.
Vocational rehabilitation if your injuries prevent you from returning to roofing or other physical work.
Third-Party Damage Recovery
Additional compensation through utility company or contractor liability claims can provide:
- Pain and suffering damages not available through workers’ compensation
- Full wage loss recovery without workers’ compensation limitations
- Compensation for reduced earning capacity over your entire career
- Recovery for loss of life enjoyment and family relationship impacts
Preventing Future Electrical Accidents
Your electrical injury case can help improve safety conditions for other roofers by:
- Establishing proper safety protocols for work near power lines
- Requiring better coordination between contractors and utility companies
- Documenting the need for improved worker training about electrical hazards
- Supporting enforcement of OSHA electrical safety standards
Protecting Your Rights After Electrical Injury
Electrical burns from power line contact represent some of the most serious workplace injuries, often requiring years of medical treatment and resulting in permanent disabilities. The complex medical and legal issues involved require immediate professional attention to protect your rights and secure maximum compensation.
Don’t attempt to handle these complex claims alone. Insurance companies will work aggressively to minimize their liability, and you may have claims against multiple parties that require careful coordination.
If you’ve suffered electrical burns while roofing near power lines, contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 immediately. We have extensive experience with electrical injury cases and will fight to secure the compensation you need for your recovery and future security.