Lisa Rådman1,2, Ylva Nilsagård3, Kristina Jakobsson4, Åsa Ek5, Lars-Gunnar Gunnarsson3. 1. Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE 701 82, Örebro, Sweden. lisa.radman@regionorebrolan.se. 2. Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE 701 82, Örebro, Sweden. lisa.radman@regionorebrolan.se. 3. Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE 701 82, Örebro, Sweden. 4. Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Scania University Hospital, SE 221 85, Lund, Sweden. 5. Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, SE 221 00, Lund, Sweden.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Professional electricians are highly subjected to electrical injuries. Previous studies describing symptoms after electrical injury have not included people with less severe initial injuries. The purpose of the present study was to describe symptoms at different time points after electrical injury, the impact of "no-let-go" phenomenon and different electrical potential [high voltage (HV) vs. low voltage (LV)], and the safety culture at the workplace. METHODS: A retrospective survey was conducted with 523 Swedish electricians. Two questionnaires were issued: the first to identify electricians who had experienced electrical injury and the second to gain information about symptoms and safety culture. Self-reported symptoms were described at different time points following injury. Symptoms for HV and LV accidents were compared. Occurrence or nonoccurrence of "no-let-go" phenomenon was analysed using two-tailed Chi-2. Safety culture was assessed with a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Nearly all reported having symptoms directly after the injury, mainly paraesthesia and pain. For the first weeks after injury, pain and muscle weakness dominated. The most frequently occurring symptoms at follow-up were pain, muscle weakness and loss of sensation. HV injuries and "no-let go" phenomenon were associated with more sustained symptoms. Deficiencies in the reporting routines were present, as well as shortage of preventive measures. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that symptoms are reported also long time after an electrical injury and that special attention should be paid to HV injuries and "no-let go" accidents. The workplace routines to reduce the number of work-related electrical injuries for Swedish electricians can be improved.
PURPOSE: Professional electricians are highly subjected to electrical injuries. Previous studies describing symptoms after electrical injury have not included people with less severe initial injuries. The purpose of the present study was to describe symptoms at different time points after electrical injury, the impact of "no-let-go" phenomenon and different electrical potential [high voltage (HV) vs. low voltage (LV)], and the safety culture at the workplace. METHODS: A retrospective survey was conducted with 523 Swedish electricians. Two questionnaires were issued: the first to identify electricians who had experienced electrical injury and the second to gain information about symptoms and safety culture. Self-reported symptoms were described at different time points following injury. Symptoms for HV and LV accidents were compared. Occurrence or nonoccurrence of "no-let-go" phenomenon was analysed using two-tailed Chi-2. Safety culture was assessed with a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Nearly all reported having symptoms directly after the injury, mainly paraesthesia and pain. For the first weeks after injury, pain and muscle weakness dominated. The most frequently occurring symptoms at follow-up were pain, muscle weakness and loss of sensation. HV injuries and "no-let go" phenomenon were associated with more sustained symptoms. Deficiencies in the reporting routines were present, as well as shortage of preventive measures. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that symptoms are reported also long time after an electrical injury and that special attention should be paid to HV injuries and "no-let go" accidents. The workplace routines to reduce the number of work-related electrical injuries for Swedish electricians can be improved.
Authors: Shruti Chudasama; Jeremy Goverman; Jeffrey H Donaldson; John van Aalst; Bruce A Cairns; Charles Scott Hultman Journal: Ann Plast Surg Date: 2010-05 Impact factor: 1.539
Authors: Per Hoegh Poulsen; Ole Carstensen; Anette Kærgaard; Jesper Medom Vestergaard; Kent J Nielsen; Karin Biering Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2021-10-10 Impact factor: 2.851