While exposure to electricity is no longer a stand-alone leading cause of workplace fatalities, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) notes that it is included in a group of exposures to harmful substances or environments that together are currently the sixth leading cause of fatalities. Regardless of the industry, the risks of improper electrical safety in the workplace can result in severe injury and property damage in addition to death, thus underlining the value in knowing how to stay safe. From the hazards and health effects to how employers can effectively work to minimize accidents and injuries, instilling a positive safety culture can be achieved in several ways.
Exploring the hazards and health effects
According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the main hazards of working with electricity involve electric shock and burns from contact with live parts, injury from exposure to arching, fire from faulty electrical equipment or installations, static electricity igniting flammable objects, and explosion due to unsuitable electrical apparatus. To expand on the risks further, the International Labour Organization (ILO) notes that electric shocks can also lead to other types of injuries, such as by causing an individual to fall off of a ladder. According to Safety Culture, electrical hazards can be caused by a number of factors. Insufficient insulation, circuit breaker failure, damaged electrical appliances, inadequate maintenance, and the improper use of extension cords are just a few common causes of such issues.
The Mayo Clinic delves into the health consequences of an electrical shock, noting that the danger depends on factors such as “the type of current, how high the voltage is, how the current traveled through the body, the person’s overall health and how quickly the person is treated.” Electrical shocks, according to the Mayo Clinic, may result in burns or no visible mark on the skin. When an individual experiences an electric shock, an electrical current passes through the body. This can result in serious health consequences, such as causing damage inside the body, cardiac arrest, or another injury. “In certain circumstances, even a small amount of electricity can be fatal.”
The importance of preventative measures
While factories or similar sites are typically associated with workplace accidents and injuries, it’s imperative to note that workplace injuries can occur in any working environment. For example, while industry accidents typically involve hazards such as falling objects, machinery issues (like entanglement), chemical exposure, and electrocution, workplace accidents and injuries in an office building may involve slipping on a wet floor or an injury associated with the use of an unstable chair. Regardless of the workplace, however, electrical safety is still a point of concern.
The ILO notes that employers must ensure that an assessment has been made of any electrical hazards. This should cover several important aspects — such as who could be harmed by any electrical hazards, how the level of risk has been established, and the precautions taken in order to control that risk. The ILO further notes that employers must ensure that the electrical installation and any electrical equipment is both “suitable for its intended use and the conditions in which it is operated,” and “only used for its intended purpose.” Ensuring proper maintenance is also key, as well as making sure that employees are competent (meaning that they have the suitable training and skills) to do a task involving electrical work.
The value in the basics
Proper safety training is essential in any workplace, though the extent of electrical safety can vary significantly based on factors like industry and job position. For example, an individual in a desk position likely won’t have any electrical-specific safety training. Regardless of role, however, basic electrical safety can benefit anyone. Using extension cords, for example, is a common practice. For those who use extension cords at work, knowing how to use them properly is essential. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), an extension cord is a temporary solution and not meant to be a long-term solution. “With continuous use over time, an extension cord can rapidly deteriorate, creating a potentially dangerous electric shock or fire hazard.” When aiming to use extension cords safely, there are a variety of measures worth taking. To highlight a few, taking care to not overload extension cords, making sure they’re not run through water or snow on the ground, and ensuring that the extension is rated for the products you’re plugging in are all essential. It’s also imperative to never use a cord that is damaged in any way or that feels hot, according to the ESFI.
Implementing a strong workplace culture regarding safety is equally as important when striving to avoid accidents and injuries, and can be achieved through proper training, precautions, and instilling a line of open communication on the subject. Ensuring that everyone is aware of the basics regarding electrical safety, for example, is another must. According to the University of Washington’s Environmental Health and Safety, grounding should never be overlooked when ensuring electrical safety. “Electrical grounding provides an alternate path for electricity to follow, rather than going through a person.” According to the site, equipment with a grounding prong must be plugged into an extension cord with a ground, noting that the grounding plug should not be removed from the equipment. For those who must use electricity outdoors, the University of Washington post goes on to note that a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) must be used when using electricity in a wet or damp location (including outdoors) — thus highlighting another must when going over the basics.
Due to the many hazards and risks involved, proper electrical safety is imperative in the workplace, regardless as to what industry. In addition to taking the correct precautions and ensuring that workers understand the ins and outs of electrical safety, creating a positive culture surrounding electrical safety is just as imperative when aiming to minimize accidents and injuries.
