Workers’ Compensation for Electrical and Utility Workers in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, electrical and utility workers, like all employees, are protected under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. This law allows workers who suffer job-related injuries to receive benefits for medical expenses and lost wages.

What Do Utility Workers Do?

Utility workers play essential roles in maintaining electric power, natural gas, steam supply, water systems, and sewage removal. Each sector poses broad industry hazards, along with job-specific risks. Electricians, for example, are responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining electrical systems. From homes to industrial plants, modern life relies on their expertise to operate safely and efficiently.

These professionals often work at construction sites, which bring their own set of risks. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the construction industry accounts for over 20% of annual fatalities in the private sector, making it one of the most dangerous job sectors in the country.

The Dangers of Electrical and Utility Work

Electrical and utility line work consistently ranks among the nation’s top 10 most dangerous professions, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Although fatalities have declined over the past 20 years, the field still experiences a fatality rate of 19.2 per 100,000 workers.

Common injuries among electrical and utility workers include:

• Amputations
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Crush injuries
• Falls
• Lacerations
• Overexertion injuries
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Nerve damage
• Hearing loss

Common Causes of Injury for Electrical and Utility Workers

As of March 2025, there were approximately 599,100 employees working in the utilities sector, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These essential workers face numerous risks due to the hazardous nature of their roles. Based on what our Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers have seen, some of the most frequent causes of injury include:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls – OSHA identifies these as the most common workplace accidents. Hazards such as uneven floors, exposed wiring, and poor lighting contribute to many of these incidents.
• Vehicle Accidents – Reaching downed power lines after severe weather often requires travel through dangerous conditions, increasing the risk of motor vehicle accidents.
• Electric Shock and Electrocution – Constant exposure to live wires and equipment puts workers at risk of shock, electrocution, or burns. Employers must adhere to OSHA electrical safety standards to reduce these hazards.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries – Tasks like lifting, bending, or maintaining awkward positions can lead to long-term injuries such as bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and rotator cuff issues.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Coverage in PA

The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act is designed to provide financial and medical support to injured employees—regardless of who is at fault. To maintain eligibility, workers must report their injury to their employer promptly. This report should ideally be in writing and include the time, place, nature of the injury, and how it occurred.

Injured electrical and utility workers in Pennsylvania may be eligible for several types of benefits, including:

• Medical Expenses – Workers’ compensation covers the cost of treatment for job-related injuries or illnesses. This could range from a single visit to ongoing care depending on the severity.
• Lost Wages – In Pennsylvania, injured workers generally receive about two-thirds of their average weekly wage.
• Funeral and Death Benefits – If a fatal workplace accident occurs, workers’ comp pays funeral costs and survivor benefits to the deceased’s spouse or dependents.

Talk to an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you or someone you know has been injured while working in the electrical or utility sector, don’t wait to get legal advice. Partnering with an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney can make all the difference—especially if your claim has been denied.

Stern & Cohen offers free consultations for injured utility and electrical workers. We operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we successfully secure benefits for you.