If it just happened
Emergency? Call 911- 1Don't touch a person who may still be in contact with a live source. Shut off power at the source if you can do so safely, or wait for a qualified person.
- 2Call 911. Electrical shocks need emergency evaluation even without obvious injury.
- 3If the person isn't breathing or has no pulse and the power is off, start CPR if you are trained, and follow the 911 operator's instructions.
- 4Tell responders about chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, confusion, muscle pain, numbness, burns at entry or exit points, or a fall after the shock.
- 5Don't drive yourself to care.
- 6Tell your supervisor and report the shock in writing. Keep a copy.
- 7Write down the circuit, tool or equipment, the voltage if known, and whether you were thrown or fell.
General information only — not medical or legal advice.
Reporting it and the claim process
Shocks happen to electricians and line workers, but also to construction crews near overhead lines, maintenance workers with damaged cords, and anyone using wet equipment. Describe exactly what happened: the tool or wire, the task, whether lockout was in place, and the path through your body — for example, right hand to left foot.
If you fell or were thrown, include that, since falls after a shock often cause separate injuries, including head injuries.
Your employer generally sends the report to its insurer or claims administrator. Deadlines to report and file vary by state, so check with your state's workers' compensation agency as soon as possible.
Electrical injuries can have delayed effects. Keep a log of new symptoms over the following weeks: numbness, weakness, headaches, memory or concentration trouble, mood changes, or vision changes.
Getting medical care
Emergency care comes first and may include heart monitoring. Follow-up may be with occupational medicine, primary care, neurology or concussion care, and sometimes burn care or imaging. A licensed clinician decides what is appropriate after an evaluation.
Tell every clinician it was an electrical shock at work and describe the source and the path through your body. Some states and employers have rules about which provider you see for follow-up, so ask your employer or adjuster.
If you are prescribed medication, ask the pharmacy and adjuster how work-injury prescriptions are handled. Many can be filled locally or delivered to your home.
Prescribed medication? Learn about prescription home delivery, common medications after work injuries, or find pharmacies near you. Your doctor and pharmacist decide what is right for you.
When people often talk to an attorney
- You have lasting nerve pain, weakness, heart problems, or memory or mood changes.
- Equipment or wiring made, installed or maintained by another company was involved.
- Lockout procedures weren't followed or you were told to work on live circuits.
- Your claim is denied because there were no visible injuries.
- You can't return to electrical or utility work.
- You were discouraged from calling 911 or reporting.
Learn more: what a workers' comp attorney does. Many offer a free first consultation; fees in workers' comp are often regulated by the state.
Recovery and going back to work
Keep follow-up appointments and report any new or lingering symptoms, even ones that seem unrelated, like trouble sleeping or irritability.
Ask your doctor about restrictions on climbing, heights, and energized work. Ask your employer about tasks away from live equipment while you recover.
Being shocked is frightening. Many people feel anxious returning to the same work. Tell your clinician if it doesn't ease, and keep your employer and adjuster updated.
Questions to ask
- Doctor: Did the shock affect my heart, and do I need monitoring?
- Doctor: What delayed symptoms should I watch for?
- Doctor: Should I see a neurologist if I have numbness or memory problems?
- Employer: What caused the shock, and has the equipment or circuit been fixed?
- Employer: Can I get a copy of the incident report?
- Adjuster: What is my claim number, and who handles follow-up visits?
- Attorney: The wiring was installed by another contractor. Does that matter?
Frequently asked questions
Should I go to the hospital after an electrical shock at work?
Yes, call 911 or get emergency care even if you feel fine. Electrical current can affect your heart rhythm and damage tissue you can't see. Only a clinician can check for those problems.
What are delayed symptoms after an electrical shock?
Some people notice numbness, tingling, weakness, headaches, memory or concentration problems, or mood changes days or weeks later. Write them down with dates. Tell your clinician and adjuster.
What should I do if a coworker is being shocked?
Don't touch them while they may still be in contact with the source. Shut off power if you can safely, and call 911. Once the power is off, follow the operator's instructions.
Is an electrical shock at work covered by workers' comp?
Electrical injuries on the job are often handled through workers' compensation, depending on your state and situation. Report it in writing even without visible injury. Check deadlines with your state's agency.
Can a small shock still be dangerous?
It can be, because the effects depend on the current, its path and other factors. That's why evaluation is important. Don't assume you're fine.
When can I go back to electrical work after a shock?
Your clinician decides when you're ready. Ask for written restrictions. Ask your employer what caused the shock before returning.
Related situations
Industries where this often happens
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).