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São Paulo, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul and Minas Gerais Have the Highest Number of Electric Accidents in 2021
São Paulo, May 11, 2022 – Electric accidents saw a significant increase in 2021, with the state of São Paulo recording the highest number of incidents at 59 cases. In second place is Pernambuco, with 49 accidents involving electricity. Following closely are Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul, each with 41 cases. Electric shock was the main cause, followed by fires.
However, according to the Brazilian Association for Awareness of the Dangers of Electricity (Abracopel), in its 2021-2022 yearbook, when analyzing cases by region, the Northeast ranks highest with 242 registered cases, with Pernambuco, Bahia, and Paraíba leading the pack. Following are the Southeast region with 129 accidents, the South region with 110 cases, the North region with 107 records, and the Midwest with 106.
In total numbers, the year 2021 recorded 1,579 electric accidents. Of these, 898 involved electric shock, averaging 75 cases each month of the year, with varying levels of severity. Additionally, there were 674 fatalities caused by electric shock. Fires caused by short circuits claimed the lives of 46 people, while lightning strikes resulted in 40 deaths.
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There Was an Increase in Electric Accidents, but a Decrease in Fatalities in 2021 Compared to 2020
The records from 2021 also reveal curious information. Although there was an increase in electric accidents compared to the previous year, 2020, the number of fatalities, or deaths resulting from these cases, decreased. Nonetheless, there are no reasons to celebrate. After all, the passage of electric current through the body, which occurs during an electric shock, can have disastrous and debilitating consequences, even if death does not occur.
It is important to pay attention to installations, especially after the pandemic, which left people spending more time at home and increasing their contact with electricity. Thus, the majority of occurrences were recorded in domestic environments, with 190 cases. This record is only surpassed by electric accidents involving overhead power distribution lines, with 297 occurrences.
With more frequent coexistence at home, people began to understand the importance of maintaining good installations as a way to protect their families. This also led many to seek the installation of new panels and even wiring, to ensure greater safety. Experts say that having a good electrical panel, as shown below, prevents several fatal electric accidents.
The Report Showed That Adults Aged 31 to 40 Are Most Likely to Suffer Electric Accidents
The Abracopel report indicated that adults aged 31 to 40 are the most likely to suffer electric accidents, specifically from electric shock. Indeed, 215 fatalities were recorded in this age group across various professional sectors. However, students are more prone than workers, with records of 77 and 52 deaths respectively, in 2021.
But how can this be explained? This age group is one of the most proactive in performing electrical maintenance at home without contacting a qualified professional, who conducts a Preliminary Risk Assessment (APR) before working on the wiring. In other words, the main reason for the accidents is the lack of knowledge about risks and maintenance instructions.
Discover How to Prevent Electric Accidents
According to Fábio Amaral, director and electrical engineer at Engerey, it is essential for every home to have a Residual Differential Device (RCD) installed, as it ensures the safety of the network with grounding and protection conductors. What brings a point of hope is that, after the pandemic, people are more aware of the importance of this device and are seeking its installation.
This device is crucial because it can identify failures and inconsistencies in the electrical system to the point of shutting it down and interrupting any risk of electric shock. However, it is important to seek a qualified professional to perform services involving electricity, as they conduct the Preliminary Risk Assessment and carry out their work safely. The video below provides more tips on how to avoid accidents with domestic electrical installations.
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