Electrical Burns: Understanding Risks, First Aid Awareness & Workplace Safety

Electrical burns occur when electric current passes through the body after contact with a live source. Unlike many surface burns, electrical burns may involve deeper tissues and may not show obvious external damage at first.

Why it matters in Canada and the workplace

Electrical injuries can affect people at home and in occupational settings such as construction, maintenance, food service, and office environments. In Canadian workplaces, first aid training helps workers recognize electrical hazards, report incidents, and support someone until professional help arrives.

Scenario (mild & realistic)

During a renovation project, a worker noticed a coworker react suddenly after touching a damaged extension cord. The power was shut off at the breaker, and coworkers checked for responsiveness and breathing while calling for emergency medical help. First aid training helped them stay calm and support the person until responders arrived.

Signs and symptoms

Electrical burns may involve:

• Small entry or exit marks on the skin

• Pain, tenderness, or swelling

• Tingling or numbness

• Muscle discomfort or fatigue

• Headache or dizziness

• In some cases, disturbances in heart rhythm or breathing

Because current can travel internally, visible surface injury does not reliably indicate the severity.

Causes & mechanisms

Electrical burns can result from:

• Direct contact with live wiring or outlets

• Damaged cords, tools, or equipment

• Contact with overhead or underground electrical lines

• Improper use of electrical appliances or power tools

• Faulty or ungrounded electrical systems

• Wet environments that increase conductivity

Internal damage can affect muscles, nerves, and in some cases the heart or respiratory system.

First aid awareness & management

Electrical incidents are treated as medical emergencies due to the possibility of hidden injury. Helpful first aid awareness includes:

• Ensuring the electrical source is no longer active before approaching

• Calling emergency medical services if someone has been shocked or burned

• Checking responsiveness and normal breathing

• If trained in CPR and the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, CPR may be performed by someone with current training

• Covering visible burn areas with a clean, dry dressing without applying ointments

• Helping the person stay warm and comfortable while waiting for responders

• Avoiding unnecessary movement if there is suspicion of a fall or potential fracture

Emergency responders assess for complications such as breathing difficulties, altered mental status, and injuries from being thrown or falling.

Prevention & workplace considerations

Prevention strategies focus on hazard controls and safe practices:

• Regular inspection of tools, cords, and outlets

• Using ground-fault protection and proper grounding

• Following lockout/tagout procedures in workplaces

• Keeping electrical equipment dry and intact

• Reporting damaged wiring promptly

• Encouraging first aid and WHMIS-aligned safety training

FAQ

What makes electrical burns different from other burns?
Electrical burns may involve deeper tissues because current travels through the body. Surface wounds may be small, and severity may not be immediately clear.

Can electrical burns happen from household voltage?
Yes. Household outlets and small appliances can cause shock injuries, especially with damaged cords or wet conditions.

Why is medical assessment often recommended after electrical shock?
Shock can affect breathing or heart rhythm and may cause internal tissue injury or secondary injuries from falling or startling.

Are children and workers equally at risk?
Different environments create different risks. Children are often exposed through household cords or outlets, while workers may encounter higher-voltage tools or systems.

Does CPR training matter in electrical emergencies?
CPR awareness can be valuable if someone becomes unresponsive and stops breathing. Many Canadian workplaces encourage training to support early response while waiting for emergency care.

Educational note

This information supports general first aid learning and workplace safety awareness. It is not a substitute for professional assessment, emergency response training, or clinical care.