Utility Worker Injury

Utility workers perform their gas, electric, water and sewer jobs in a variety of environments, including far above and well-below ground.  In many cases, utility workers must climb to the top of transmission towers to repair transformers, or descend into manholes to splice cables. 

Because of the tremendous physical forces exerted on these workers, as well as the fact that they often work in confined spaces, in inclement weather, under or next to heavy objects, in noisy environments, and near moving mechanical parts, utility workers are often injured on the job. 

According to a recent study, the utility industry has the highest rate of electrical fatalities (i.e., electrocution), with as many as 1.6 per 100,000 workers.  Nonfatal electrical injuries, such as shock, flash burns and conduction burns, are also high.  Other common utility worker injuries arise out of:
Fortunately, New York State has special laws, known as “Labor Laws” that protect utility workers from injury or, if injured, that permit laborer to recover from some or all of the people or companies that caused or contributed to their injury.  The specific provisions of the New York State Labor Law are: 
  • Section 200;
  • Section 240; and
  • Section 241(6).
Section 200 is a general provision that requires jobsite owners and contractors, and their agents, to provide a safe workplace for construction workers and lawful visitors, and imposes liability for injuries sustained at an unsafe workplace.  Section 240 is a specific provision concerning precautions that must be taken to prevent construction site falls, or falls from a height, and liability for fall-related injuries.  Section 241(6) is a specific provision concerning steps that must be taken to ensure compliance with the New York State Industrial Code, and liability for violations of the New York State Industrial Code.

At Bottar Law, PLLC, our team of New York utility worker injury lawyers have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict cases involving construction site accidents.  If you or a loved have been injured while working at a jobsite, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. 

To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Syracuse New York utility worker injury attorney, contact us now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.