This month is National Electric Safety Month. Did you know that 82 worker fatalities in U.S. private industries were caused by electrocution in 2016? (1) It’s important to be aware of the potential electrical hazards in your work environment. The four main types of electrical injuries caused as a result of contact with electrical energy are (2) :
- Electrocution
- Electric shock
- Burns
- Falls
Also, some of the most common causes of electrical injuries include contact with power lines, lack of ground-fault protection and misuse of equipment. (3)
OSHA’s electrical standards are designed to help protect you and your employees from the dangers of electrical hazards. Here are some examples of practices to help reduce risk of injury associated with electrical work:
- Insulation use
- Guarding
- Grounding
- Use of electrical protective devices
- General safe work practices
Click here to learn more about OSHA electrical standards and training.
Click here for more resources regarding National Electric Safety Month.
Sources:
- https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/electrical/default.html
- https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/electrical/hazards.html
The information presented in this publication is intended to provide guidance and is not intended as a legal interpretation of any federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations applicable to your business. It is not intended as an offer to write insurance for such conditions or exposures.
