The number of workplace electrical injuries is steadily climbing to an average of 179 deaths in the US per year.
Dealing with electricity is a serious workplace hazard that has severe consequences that lead to severe injuries, permanent disabilities, and even death.
Electricity is known as one of the fatal four workplace hazards along with falls, being struck by an object, and being caught in-between pinch points.
Knowing how to prevent electrical hazards in the workplace will eliminate risks and help you and your employees safe, as well as the customers that could be entering your workplace. If you are having an electrical issue at your business in Sydney, you need to call a professional. If you need a level 2 electrician Sydney has one of the best.
With so many severe and fatal electric injuries, how exactly can you eliminate electrical hazards and ensure a safe workplace?
Keep on reading to learn more, as your life could depend on it.
Use the Right Equipment
Using approved equipment is essential to prevent contact with electrical current in energized areas. The tools must be insulated in order to avoid a live wire from sending a current into the hand of whoever is working on the area, which could potentially save their life.
This also means to get rid of any tool that is not adequately approved to handle the specific job at hand. Look for cracks, abrasions, cuts, dents on wires or cords and eliminate them immediately or put a lockout tag on them
Prevent Accidental Contact
Check the workplace for any exposed areas, and make sure they are either turned off or guarded. This includes open power distribution units, temporary lighting, etc.
Place Proper Grounding
The most common electrical injury is due to the improper electrical grounding of equipment. Keep the metallic ground pin in place, as it is the only thing that keeps the unwanted electrical current in the ground.
Overloaded Circuits
Using the wrong wire or circuit size is a severe electrical hazard that could cause serious injury. Use the correct wiring for the job description and the voltage that you are working with, including extension cords.
Additionally, never overload a circuit breaker. Always use more than one switch if you are concerned about the amount of voltage you are using.
Wet Conditions
Dealing with electricity is already a hazard; adding water and moisture to the mix brings it to a whole new level of concern. Never operate any electrical equipment in wet conditions, and make sure any wet equipment has been inspected for moisture before it is used.
Perform Regular Electrical Assessments
Complacency is another concern in the workplace that could lead to potentially fatal injuries. To prevent your employees from becoming complacent, perform regular electrical assessments on your workplace and all the equipment.
It is strongly advisable to hire commercial electricians to do the electrical work for you. Dealing with electricity is a hazardous job and should be left to a professional.
Learn More About Electrical Hazards In the Workplace
Electrical hazards are something that should not be taken lightly; this is a serious concern and should have only professionals do the work. Your life could be in danger, and it is never really worth the risk to perform a job that you are not skilled to do.
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