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3 WHITE PAPER – VeriSafe Absence of Voltage Tester–Improving Eciency and Reducing Costs

Historical Costs of Checking for

Absence of Voltage

Numerous studies exist pertaining to injuries resulting from electric

shock and arc ﬂash events. These studies recognize that establishing

the economic payos of prevention is a critical factor in promoting

workplace safety. Besides personal injury, the costs of property and

equipment damage need to be considered. Although estimates vary,

studies have shown that the average direct cost of an electrical injury

ranges from about US $50,000 to US $80,000

, while the indirect cost

can exceed the direct cost by a factor of nearly four

. Direct costs include

lost wages or workers’ compensation payments, medical expenditures,

and legal expenses. Indirect costs include:

• wages paid during work stoppage

• administrative costs related to injury

• property damage and repair

• training and compensation for replacement workers

• lost productivity with less experienced workers

• ﬁnes related to workplace safety violations

• potential increase in absenteeism

• decrease in morale

Electrical injuries have one of the highest average workers’ compensation

costs, second only to motor vehicle accidents

Injuries from contact with

exposed wiring, transformers,

or other electrical

components frequently occur

in the workplace and involve

construction, installation,

maintenance, and repair

workers. These injuries are

often costly and serious, as

demonstrated by the number

of days away from work; 51%

of workers missed over one

week of work due to these

injuries, with 40% missing

two weeks or more

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