As discussed in our previous post, electrical incidents can have major consequences for any organization. And although they are relatively unlikely to occur, the results of an electrical incident can be life changing for all employees, not just for those involved. 

When an electrical incident occurs, the employee involved can be impacted in various degrees, including no or mild injury, severe injury, or even death. People involved in an electrical incident can suffer from muscle spasms, cardiac arrest, burns, and have their nervous system affected. Even if they are not hurt by the electricity, individuals can be injured if they fall or are otherwise hurt as a direct result of the electrical incident.

Beyond the physical injury, there can also be psychological repercussions on the people involved. When injured in the workplace, the severity of the injury can have a massive impact on the mental health of the individual. Those who suffer permanent impairment are at even greater risk for depression, sleep problems, and medication abuse. Even employees who suffer from minor injuries as a result of a workplace incident are likely to experience post-injury depression for several months afterwards. Not only do these kinds of issues reduce the quality of life for the employee, but they can also affect the employee’s ability to perform their job. 

Both physical and psychological consequences from an electrical incident can result in temporary or permanent time off requirements for those involved. Time off can further affect the employee financially due to loss of wages, overtime, or tips. The individual can also suffer socially, as they no longer have the routine and daily interaction with colleagues. Time off for injury also has an influence on mental health for the employee, beyond the impact of the injury. These issues all compound, as each influences the other. 

Beyond those involved in the electrical incident, other employees can also be impacted when an electrical incident occurs. For example, they can potentially be overworked if the incident results in a role not being filled. This in itself has risks, as it can lead to poorer work performance and stress in the overworked employees. 

If the electrical incident resulted in a workplace fatality, it can negatively influence co workers' emotional health, productivity, and safety. These after-effects are not short-lived. Impacts of workplace fatalities on other employees can last months or even years.

Both fatal and non-fatal in the workplace can also lead to reduced staff morale. The feelings of loss and fear for personal safety will impact even the most positive of work environments. Coworkers can also feel distracted, and this leads to lower overall productivity. 

Also, as a result of an electrical injury or fatality, the employee-employer relationship can become strained. This in itself can also impact productivity, employment longevity, and morale among coworkers. Employee turnover potentially increases after an injury, and always increases after a fatality. This can magnify the chances of remaining staff being overworked, decrease morale, and lead to loss of productivity. 

As you may be thinking, the resulting consequences of an electrical incident to employees can also financially affect a business, in addition to affecting the employees. We will further explore how financials are impacted in the next post.