Electric Shock Injuries

Electrical current moving through the body can cause damage all along the path taken to complete the circuit, but injuries may not be immediately apparent. Internal tissue damage can cause delayed effects that kill the victim hours after he or she appears to be unharmed.

Even if electric shock is not fatal, loss of limbs, extremities, and motor functionality regularly occur as a result of severe electric shock. Electrical stimulation can also cause muscles to involuntarily contract tightly enough to break bones.

Examples of types of injuries that can occur from electrical shock include:

• Burns
• Tissue damage
• Nerve damage
• Internal bleeding
• Blood clotting
• Tendon damage
• Broken bones

To learn more about Arc Flash Safety visit our OSHA Construction Arc Flash Safety Online Training web page.