What determines whether a worker will receive burns from electric shock?

The pathway that current takes through a worker’s body is a crucial determinant of whether burns from electric shock will occur. Different tissues in the body have varying resistances, and the electric current will follow the path of least resistance. For instance, if the current travels through vital organs or areas with high moisture content, such as the heart or brain, it can not only cause severe injury but also increase the likelihood of burns due to the current generating heat as it passes through.

Moreover, if the path includes highly conductive tissues or surfaces, the risk of burns increases significantly compared to paths that traverse less conductive tissues. This understanding emphasizes the importance of safety measures in electrical work, as varying pathways can lead to drastically different outcomes in terms of injury severity.

The other factors like voltage, duration, and frequency play important roles in the overall impact of electric shock but are less direct in causing burns in the context of the current's pathway. For example, while higher voltage can increase the likelihood of severe injury, it is still the route through which the current flows that will dictate the occurrence and location of burns.