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02 Hand and Arm Lacerations, 03 Back and Knee Strains

Cuts, Scrapes, and Punctures
An additional 25 percent of workers
compensation claims among electrical
Nearly a quarter of all workers compensation claims
Federated has fielded from electrical contractors in recent contractors stem from strains – most of
years involve a laceration, cut, scrape, or puncture. And which are due to back and knee injuries.
injuries to upper extremities, such as hands and arms, These types of claims can also involve
account for 40 percent of those claims. A painful and significant medical costs and have a lasting
potentially debilitating hand or arm injury can devastate an impact on an employee’s quality of life and
employee’s career. These incidents can result in significant ability to work.
medical costs, lost productivity, and reduced morale.
Similar to hand and arm injuries, to
help prevent back and knee strains IEC
To help prevent lacerations, cuts, scrapes, and punctures
to the upper body, electrical contractors could: members could:
Hold regular safety meetings
Perform a Job Hazard Analysis to determine
when and where these types of injuries may focused on proper lifting and
occur and address your risk as necessary ergonomic topics
Provide regular safety training on hand safety and Develop a back injury prevention plan
the proper use of PPE Incentivize safe behavior by offering
rewards for observed safe behaviors
Ensure only qualified employees engage in specific
work duties where such injuries pose a risk such as proper lifting techniques

While these top five trends are impacting the electrical contracting
industry as a whole, Federated Insurance knows every IEC members’
05 Electrical Shocks business is unique. Federated marketing representatives meet with
their contractor clients every year to help identify and recommend
mitigation efforts to address the specific risks impacting their
specific operation. Plus, as an IEC Official Partner for Business, Life &
Electrical shocks can be devastating. Although Disability Insurance, Federated Insurance offers all IEC members an
electrical shocks make up less than two percent opportunity to help evaluate your losses and see how they measure
of all workers compensation injury claims seen up to your industry peers. If you’d like to learn more about receiving
at Federated, nearly 24 percent of the total claim this type of no-obligation analysis, contact Nate Oland, senior
costs are due to medical and/or compounded national account executive, at 507-455-8935 or nsoland@fedins.com.
injuries that occur when someone falls following
the shock. The reality is, simply walking away Nathan Oland is a senior national account executive in the Association
from an electrical shock unharmed is unlikely. Risk Management Services (ARMS) department for Federated
Insurance. His primary role is working with Federated’s national trade
associations and buying groups on their member’s underwriting, risk
To help employees avoid a dangerous shock- management, and claims services.
related injury, electrical contractors could:
Hold regular safety huddles or short Since 1992, Nate has worked in Federated’s Claims, Marketing, and
ARMS departments. Since 2006, Nate has authored dozens of articles
discussions focused on the dangers of and presented to hundreds of association members on various risk
working with electricity management topics. His passion is to ensure your employees go home
Provide appropriate, well-maintained tools safe to their families each day following work. Nate has earned the
and PPE to employees trust of hundreds of business owners in the areas of safety, risk, and
business management; focusing on value, service, and relationships.

*All statistics within this article are from Federated Insurance Claims Data for Electrical Contractors from 2016-2019. This article is
for general information only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The information herein may help reduce,
but is not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all risk of loss. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any
laws or regulations that may apply. Coverage will be determined by the facts of the claim and the terms of your policy, if approved
for issue. All products and services not available in all states. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your
circumstances and in developing policies for your business. © 2021 Federated Mutual Insurance Company.

www.ieci.org | May/June 2021 | Insights Magazine 29