Long-Term Health Implications of Power Lineman Injuries

With thousands of volts of electricity surging through electrical lines, power linemen are tasked with one of the most hazardous professions in this country. They climb dangerous heights, deal with extreme weather, and negotiate the constant risk of falls and electrocution. When accidents happen, they are usually serious and sometimes fatal. The workers who do survive an on-the-job accident may have to deal with long-term health threats. 

Common Workplace Hazards Power Linemen Face

Some of the most common dangers power linemen face on the job include:

Electrocution

Working with extremely high voltages is one of the most significant dangers power linemen face. If power lines are improperly handled or damaged, they could arc or electrocute workers. Also, power lines can explode or cause fires, which further increases the risk of injury or death. 

Falls from Heights

Power linemen often perform much of their work like installs, upgrades, and repairs from high elevations. Working at extreme heights puts these employees at risk of suffering injuries from fall accidents. 

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Because power linemen must travel to where they’re needed, there is a risk of motor vehicle accidents. When they have to be on the roads during inclement weather or after a natural disaster, this risk is even greater. 

Adverse Weather Conditions

Power lines can get damaged during some of the worst weather conditions, requiring power linemen to navigate rain, ice, snow, flooding, and heavy winds to get their job done. The slippery surface, falling debris, and low visibility increase the dangers and risks of an accident. 

Toxic Substances Exposure

Before the 1980s, electrical workers were often exposed to power lines that contained asbestos, or they were required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) manufactured with the toxic substance. While modern power lines no longer contain asbestos, some older ones still do. 

Animal Attacks and Bites

Power lines are placed everywhere in this country, sometimes on private property and sometimes in the middle of nowhere. Power linemen have suffered injuries due to animal attacks from dogs, mountain lions, snakes, and more. They have also been bitten by any number of insects, which can carry serious diseases. 

Long-Term Health Implications of Power Lineman Injuries

A workplace injury can result in the need for medical treatment and lost time from work. Even if a power lineman returns to their job, there may be long-term health implications from their injuries. These include:

Musculoskeletal Problems

It’s not uncommon for power linemen to experience back, knee, and wrist pain later in life after working years climbing poles, digging holes, repairing cables, and handling heaving materials. These musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are caused by repeated stress on muscles, ligaments, and tendons from overstrain and repetitive overwork. Eventually, these MSDs will lead to diminished strength and movement.

Spinal Cord Trauma

Falls and electrocutions can lead to serious spinal cord injuries. The long-term implications of these injuries include loss of mobility, paralysis, loss of certain bodily functions, and pain. 

Burns

Electrocution and explosions are a primary concern when working with the power grid. These hazards can lead to severe burns, which can cause permanent tissue and organ damage, lead to the loss of limbs, and result in lasting pain and limitations. 

Neurological Issues

The immediate effects of an electrical injury are usually burns, cardiac arrhythmias, and seizures. However, these injuries can cause direct damage to the nerves, leading to long-term effects like neuropathy, tinnitus, paresthesias, loss of balance, and gait ataxia. 

Skin Cancer

Continuous exposure to the elements can place power linemen at risk for a variety of issues. One of them is a high risk of skin cancer due to years of exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR). 

Lyme Disease

Because of the nature of a power lineman’s work, they often have to go into grassy or wooded areas. This puts them at a higher risk for tick bites and the associated Lyme disease. According to the CDC, there are roughly 63,000 confirmed cases of Lyme disease annually, which can cause long-term complications if left untreated. 

Power Lineman’s Rights After On-the-Job Injuries

Many power linemen fail to realize that they have rights and legal protections due to the nature of their work. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created standards for working with electricity, working from heights, and other types of dangerous work involved with this occupation. 

If you’ve been injured while working as a power lineman, you may be entitled to compensation. A skilled lineman injury attorney can help you to fully understand your legal rights and options. By working with a reputable attorney, you will be in the best possible position to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries.