Why were early electrical construction practices considered hazardous?

Early electrical construction practices were considered hazardous primarily because the understanding of electricity was still developing, leading to significant risks for workers. During the inception of electrical systems, there was limited knowledge about the safe handling and distribution of electrical power. Workers often faced the threat of electrocution due to inadequate safety protocols and insufficient protective equipment. The dangers associated with electricity, such as shock and arc flash, were not fully recognized at the time, which contributed to high rates of accidents and fatalities in the workplace.

While environmental pollution, rusting materials, and overly complex designs may have posed challenges in various contexts, they do not directly address the core issue of safety as related to worker understanding and interaction with electricity. The lack of knowledge about electrical systems and safety measures made working with electricity particularly treacherous, causing many accidents that could have been prevented with better understanding and safety practices.