"thermal burns on both hands (1st to 3rd degree)

The hazards associated with electrocution are well known, yet incidents still occur. Here is a recent incident that should be shared to prevent recurrence.

According to the verification of the (government agency) in the province, earlier, one morning in January 2026, the head of the electrical team of (company name omitted)- and another person connected at the electrical cabinet of the factory.

After connecting, realizing that the electrical system did not ensure the safety of others, The worker took a sign (size 10cm x 15cm), made of mica plastic, painted with aluminum on the back, with the words "No electricity" to hang on the top of the circuit breaker.

In the process of hanging the sign, due to carelessness, the warning sign touched the two metal rods of the circuit breaker, leading to an electrical discharge that caused an explosion, causing the worker’s hands to be burned.

Immediately after the accident occurred, the company promptly took the victim to the emergency and treatment to a nearby hospital. After 10 days of treatment, the injured worker’s health was basically stable and was discharged from the hospital.

During the verification process, the authorities determined that the cause of the accident was that the employee did not fully use personal protective equipment, did not operate in accordance with safety procedures, and performed work in the area with electricity without completely disconnecting the power supply. In addition, the company has not fully arranged a system of signs, signboards, rules, and safe operation procedures in the area and equipment with strict requirements on occupational safety and health.

Through verifying the incident and comparing regulations, (government agency) functional sector affirmed that the above occupational accident was under the jurisdiction and investigation responsibility of the employer, (metals company) Therefore, the province asked the company to seriously learn from experience; urgently carry out the investigation of occupational accidents in accordance with the order and procedures; fully fulfill responsibilities for employees who suffer from accidents; and at the same time report the results to state management agencies as prescribed.

The company also needs to review and fully supplement signs, signboards, internal rules, and safe operation procedures in areas, machinery and equipment with strict requirements on occupational safety and hygiene; strengthen the propaganda and training of occupational safety for employees at the factory.

Update

Previously, as (name omitted) Newspaper informed, on (date omitted), (name omitted) General Hospital received and treated a patient with severe burns due to an electrical accident.

The patient, admitted to the hospital with electric burns combined with thermal burns on both hands, the degree of burns is from degree I to degree III, with a lesion area of about 8% of the body.

Immediately upon receipt, the doctors treated the burns, used antibiotics, infusions, tetanus vaccinations and closely monitored the development of the lesion.

We pray that the injured worker recovers fully from their injuries and can fully use both of his hands. As the news article stated both workers were not wearing the proper ppe to perform any task with high voltage electrocution. If they were the worker’s injuries would have been minimized or eliminated because of the PPE.

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