Electrocution accidents in New York often only make the news when they involve subway workers such as the incident that claimed the life of an MTA worker in 2010 when he slipped and fell onto the third rail. However, electrocution is one of OSHA’s Fatal Four-the four most deadly construction accidents in the workplace. A sad truth that the family of Ed Bradley came face to face with in March of 2012.
Bradley, a veteran mechanic, was called in to do routine maintenance on an elevator located inside 1290 Sixth Avenue-the offices of AXA Equitable, a Midtown life insurance agency. The job started out just as every other had in his 26-year long career. However, at 9:30 PM, Mr. Bradley’s arm brushed a live wire inside a vault transformer and the electricity surging through him stopped his heart. Rescue workers were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Bradley left behind two sons, a daughter, and a devoted wife.
Unfortunately, several workplace violations foreshadowed the fatal electrocution accident. The building had been cited multiple times prior to that fateful day for-among other things-exposed wiring. Indeed, the elevators themselves (34 of them inside the building) were the subject of multiple violations dating as far back as 1999, according to records obtained by dna info. The company Bradley worked for, Schindler Elevator Corporation, was named in several of the Department of Buildings violations.
According to OSHA statistics, electrocution accounted for 9% of all fatal jobsite accidents in 2011. 69 individuals were killed by electricity while on the job making electrocution the second most deadly construction accident behind only falls from heights. Statistics also show that certain types of electrocution were more common than others:
- Coming into contact with power lines
- Coming into contact with “energized” sources
- Improper use of extension and flexible cords
Even non-fatal electrocution accidents can result in lifelong consequences including brain damage, burn, permanent injury and scarring, and even disability. In such cases, victims and family members should consider contacting a New York City electrocution accident attorney immediately. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at 212-385-1122 to learn your rights to receiving the financial compensation you deserve.