Every job carries a little bit of danger, but some are worse than others. Because electricians work with high-voltage electricity that can harm or kill you, people assume that working as an electrician can be risky.

 

Let’s discuss if it’s dangerous to be an electrician.

 

Working as an electrician does come with its own set of risks. Common injuries for electricians include electrical shocks, falls, burns, and other minor injuries. A study done in 2017 showed that there were 8.4 deaths per 100,000 electricians for that year. For the same year, there were 15.9 deaths per 100,000 for groundskeepers, 24 deaths per 100,000 for farmers, and 34.9 deaths per 100,000 for garbage collectors.

 

Even though being an electrician isn’t a particularly hazardous job, there are some common accidents that occur. Because electricians need to perform work on rooftops or reach power lines, falling is one of the most common accidents for electricians.

 

While not as common, electrical shock and electrocution are two of the most serious injuries that can occur in this profession. Electrical shock happens when a sudden discharge of electricity runs through a part of the body. Complications can include severe burns, trouble breathing, and interrupted heart rhythm. The most severe cases of electrical shock are called electrocution, and they result in death.

 

Even though dealing with electricity is inherently treacherous, being an electrician doesn’t have to be. Over the years, being an electrician has become much safer than it used to be because of increased job safety and proper safety precautions. As long as appropriate safety precautions are observed, being an electrician isn’t any more dangerous than other professions. Jobs in the electrical industry are always in high demand across the country. So, if this article didn’t scare you away from the profession, maybe consider the profession.

 

If you are interested in learning more about a career as an electrician, please check out the Independent Electrical Contractors of the Rocky Mountains’ apprentice program: https://iecrm.org/faqs/