How to Maintain Electric Safety at Work

Ensuring electrical safety in the workplace is essential to prevent harm to any employee.

According to a study from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), electrical dangers cause around 350 deaths and 4,000 injuries yearly, just in the United States. That's a lot! Companies need to take the proper precautions to ensure things are safe for workers.

What is Electrical Safety?

Electrical safety refers to taking precautions to prevent injury when working around electricity. Touching live wires or devices can badly shock, burn, or even kill workers. So companies need to make sure there are good safety rules about electrical dangers.

To be safe with electricity, all-electric things like power cords, outlets, machines, and tools should be regularly checked and tagged by qualified people. This helps find any faulty wiring or wear-and-tear that could cause electrocution risks. Tagged gear shows when it was last inspected, if any problems were found, and says it’s still safe to use.

The human body easily carries electricity. So workers could quickly get shocked if they touch unsafe gear or bare wires on the job. People can't see, smell, or hear electricity, so preparing for safety is essential. 

Electrical Safety Hazards in the Workplace

As we know, electrocution is one of the most significant risks for construction workers, according to OSHA. Awareness of electrical dangers at work and how to avoid them is essential. Some of the most frequent electrical hazards we tend to see on the job are: 

• Overhead Power Lines: Keep a 10-foot distance from lines and equipment. Do site surveys to prevent storage underneath. Install safety barriers and warning signs.

• Damaged Tools and Equipment: Don't attempt repairs unless qualified. Check for cracks/abrasions in cords/wires. Label "defective" and remove from service for repair/replacement. Follow lockout/tagout always.

• Inadequate Wiring and Overloaded Circuits: Use proper wire gauge for loads to prevent overheating/fires. Use heavy-duty extension cords. Don't overload outlets. Conduct regular fire risk assessments.

• Exposed Electrical Parts: Secure loose parts like temporary lighting. Check for detached cord insulation. Install proper guards.

• Improper Grounding: Leading OSHA violation. Proper grounding reduces shock risk. Never remove the ground pin from the plug, which returns the voltage to the ground.

• Damaged Insulation: Defective insulation raises electrocution and fire risks, and flag-damaged wiring/cords for replacement. Don't just tape damaged areas.

• Wet Conditions: Don't operate electrical equipment in wet areas unless properly trained and equipped. Water significantly increases shock risk.

Electrical Safety Considerations for Air Conditioning Systems, Including Rented Units

Air conditioning systems, including rented ones, are prevalent in workplaces and require special attention to ensure electrical safety. Improper maintenance or faulty electrical components can pose risks to workers and the overall electrical infrastructure. Here are some guidelines to integrate air conditioner safety, whether owned or rented, into your electrical safety measures:

• Regular Inspections: Include air conditioning units in routine inspections performed by qualified personnel. Check for damaged power cords, exposed wiring, or any signs of wear and tear.

• Proper Grounding: Ensure that air conditioning units are correctly grounded, reducing the risk of electrical shock. Never tamper with or remove grounding features, as this compromises safety.

• Avoid Overloading Circuits: Use heavy-duty extension cords when needed and avoid overloading outlets.

• Water and Moisture Safety: Educate and implement proper training and precautions for employees working in areas where moisture is present.

Electrical Safety Precautions for Workers

Electrical safety precautions are essential for workers to ensure their well-being and prevent workplace injuries. Here are some tips to help keep workers safe around electricity:

1. Wear Protective Gear

This includes special gloves, glasses, and shoes. Equipping yourself properly keeps you guarded against accidental contact.

2. Routinely Inspect Cords

Look for frays, damage, loose parts, and anything that seems faulty or worn. Addressing problems early prevents bigger issues.

3. Exercise Caution

Water and electricity don't mix well! Be extra vigilant in basements, outdoors, or anywhere moisture collects.

4. Keep Distances From Parts

Don't work closely around exposed wires and components if it is avoidable. Give them a wide berth when possible.

5. Kill Power at the Source 

De-energizing circuits before working cut the chance of contact tremendously. Overloading circuits may cause an accident.

6. Be Attentive

Following basic procedures helps prevent problems. Train everyone about electricity. Teach them to find hazards and be careful.

Electrical Safety Training for Workers

Working with electricity can be very dangerous if we're not careful. Proper training will go over

ways so that people can stay safe on the job.

The Basics

Electricity has serious risks like live wires, broken equipment, and water. Always turn things off and wear gloves and other safety gear. Even little mistakes can badly hurt or kill you.

OSHA Rules

OSHA is the big safety boss. They don't want you getting injured, so they created strict rules. If we ignore them, the company gets huge fines, and you might get fired. Major rules include only letting trained electricians work on live wires and always locking equipment before fixing it.

Specify Roles

Only specially trained electricians can work on wires and outlets when the power is still on. For everyone else, live parts and open wires are off-limits. Know what you're allowed and not allowed to do!

Emergencies

Even being safe doesn't make accidents impossible. So learn CPR, just in case. And if any incident happens, report it so that the management will take care of it.

Cleaning

Follow all manufacturer instructions exactly when cleaning electrical equipment. Kill the power at the breaker first and use lockout tools. Don't get things wet unless it says it's okay, or you'll get zapped.

Electrical Safety Tips for Employers

There's always more that management can do to avoid electrical hazards around the workplace. Let's go over a few extra pointers.

1. Hazard Assessments

Make hazard assessments standard anytime new equipment, tools, or machinery are introduced. Identify possible danger spots like live part exposures or cords stretched across walkways. Map out a safety plan beforehand rather than after an incident.

2. Promote Open Discussions

Encourage workers to speak freely about electrical safety concerns without fear of retaliation. Maintain an open, non-punitive culture focused on identifying risks before injury occurs. Provide an anonymous reporting channel if needed so all feel comfortable voicing worries.

3. Set Clear Policies

It’s essential to set clear policies on what personal electrical devices, if any, employees can use at work and during which situations. Restrictions reduce the chances of incidents with employees' own cords and chargers.

4. Monitor PPE

Don't overlook PPE replenishment. Allocate the budget to stock protective equipment as needs arise sufficiently. Regularly check inventories of rubber gloves, insulated tools, arc flash suits, and safety gear. No one should ever go without.

Electrical Safety is Crucial in the Workplace

Electrical safety at work saves lives. Companies must have clear policies and training so employees can identify hazards and handle equipment properly. If businesses prioritize worker health and uphold strict electrical standards, they protect their most incredible resource, their people.