Probability of Dying from Electrocution

Electrocution (death by electric shock) has lifetime odds of approximately 1 in 12,200 according to the National Safety Council. About 400-500 people die from electrocution in the US each year, with roughly half occurring in occupational settings (particularly construction) and half in residential or other settings.

In the workplace, electrocution is one of OSHA's "Fatal Four" leading causes of construction worker deaths. Common causes include contact with overhead power lines, faulty wiring, defective equipment, and energized electrical systems during maintenance. In residential settings, common causes include faulty home wiring, misuse of extension cords, appliances near water, and lightning.

Prevention measures include never working on electrical systems without proper training and lockout/tagout procedures, maintaining safe distances from power lines, using ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in wet areas, never using electrical devices near water, and ensuring home electrical systems meet current building codes. GFCI outlets can prevent the majority of residential electrocution deaths.