States of São Paulo, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul and Minas Gerais are the ones that recorded the most electrical accidents in 2021
São Paulo, May 11, 2022 – Os electrical accidents had a significant increase in 2021 and the state of São Paulo was the one that recorded the most incidents, with 59 cases. In second place is Pernambuco, with 49 accidents involving electricity. In third place are Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul, both with 41 cases. 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 is at the top, with 242 registered cases, with Pernambuco, Bahia and Paraíba the states that are ahead. Then comes the Southeast region with 129 accidents, the South region with 110 cases, the North region with 107 records, and the Midwest, with 106.
In general numbers, the year 2021 had 1.579 electrical accidents. Of these, 898 involved electric shock, that is, an average of 75 cases in each month of the year, with different levels of severity. In addition, there were 674 deaths caused by shock. Short-circuit fires claimed the lives of 46 people, and lightning strikes claimed the lives of 40 people.
There was an increase in electrical accidents, but a reduction in fatalities in 2021 compared to 2020
The 2021 records also bring curious information. Although there is an increase in electrical accidents compared to the previous year of 2020, the number of fatalities, i.e. deaths due to cases, has reduced. Still, there's no reason to celebrate. After all, the passage of electric current through the body, which happens in the electric shock, can bring disastrous and disabling consequences, even if death is not consummated.
It is important to pay attention to the facilities, especially after the pandemic, which left people at home longer and in greater contact with electricity. Thus, most occurrences were recorded in a domestic environment, with 190 cases. This record is second only to electrical accidents involving the overhead power distribution network, with 297 occurrences.
With more frequent coexistence indoors, people came to understand the importance of maintaining good facilities as a way of protecting the family. This also caused many to seek the installation of new panels and even wiring, to ensure greater security. Experts claim that having a good electrical panel, as demonstrated below, prevents many fatal electrical accidents.
The report showed that adults between 31 and 40 years old are the most likely to suffer accidents involving electricity
O Abracopel report pointed out that adults between 31 and 40 years old are the ones most likely to suffer accidents involving electricity, specifically electric shock. After all, 215 deaths were recorded in this age group of people in different segments of professional activity. However, students are more likely than workers, with records of 77 and 52 deaths respectively, in 2021.
But how to explain this? Because this age group is one of those who most take the lead in carrying out electrical maintenance in the house, without contacting a qualified professional, who performs the Preliminary Risk Analysis (APR) before working on the wiring. That is, the main reason for accidents is the lack of knowledge about the risks and instructions for maintenance.
Discover how to avoid electrical accidents
According to Fábio Amaral, director and electrical engineer at Engerey, it is essential that every residence has the Residual Differential Device (DR) installed, as it guarantees network security with grounding and protective 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 to install it.
This device is essential because it can identify failures and inconsistencies in the electrical system to the point of turning it off and interrupting any risk of electric shock. However, it is important to seek a qualified professional to perform services involving electricity, as he performs the Preliminary Risk Analysis and develops his work safely. The video below brings more tips on how to avoid accidents with domestic electrical installations.
