Industry runs on electricity, and unfortunately when employees aren’t practicing safety around power lines, breaker boxes, outlets, or switches, electricity can be a killer. The good news is electricity is safe to use when workers know what they’re doing and take proper precautions. In the case of accidental electrical shock, there are a variety of factors that determine the severity of an injury.
Many Factors Can Contribute to Electric Shock Severity
- The rate the electrical current flows through the body. This depends on whether or not the employee is in a position to conduct electricity (or not) in their workspace. If they have dry hands and stand on a non-conductive surface such as a rubber mat, they may not even feel a shock. If the employee is perspiring and are standing in water, the shock could be fatal.
- How long the electrical current flows through the body. Longer exposure means more current flow, which leads to a significantly more dangerous shock.
- Although unpredictable, the current’s path through the body during an electric shock matters. The most dangerous path is through the vital organs.
Your Team’s Actions At Work Can Protect Their Safety
Share the following guidelines as thought starters in your next safety meeting to refresh your staff’s electrical safety knowledge. Think about your workspace’s unique electrical foundation and consider expanding on the below to suit your needs.
- Read and follow instructions before handling anything electrical. If something is unclear, get qualified help—don’t guess.
- Plugs should only be inserted in receptacle outlets with the same slot or blade pattern, unless proper adapters are used. Don’t force or alter a plug by bending, twisting or removing blades to make it fit into a receptacle outlet.
- Water conducts electricity. Keep wet hands from touching electrical equipment or light switches.
- Firmly grip the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting equipment. Yanking the cord can damage the cord, plug, or receptacle outlet and result in a shock or fire.
- Because electricity is present even when the switch is in the “off” position, unplug equipment, appliances and extension cords when not in use and before inspecting, cleaning, or fixing them.
- Recognize signs of overloaded circuits including flickering or dimming lights, blown fuses, warm wall plates or extension cords, and tripped circuit breakers.
- Receptacle outlets and switches should not be painted or covered with wallpaper paste.
There’s no margin for error when working with electricity. Conditions vary so much that without the facts, employees could make a mistake and cause injury to themselves or fellow workers—and death is still a possibility.
Let McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance tailor a solution that can safeguard your employees and protect your bottom line. Contact us using the form on the right or call our team at 727-547-3023 to get your free, personalized quote today.
