Recognizing Hazards
Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to electric shock, electrocution, burns, fires, and explosions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, the Electrical Safety Foundation International reported a total of 126 electrical fatalities, marking a 24% decrease compared to 2019. This decrease occurred in a year where there was a 10% drop in total hours worked in the United States, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the decrease in fatalities, there was a 17% increase in non-fatal electrical injuries involving days away from work compared to 2019.
The leading causes for electrical fatalities and injuries in the U.S. over the previous few years were working on or near live wires (48%) and contact with overhead power lines (41%).
The first step toward protecting yourself is recognizing the many hazards you face on the job. Based on general safety reports and industry knowledge, overhead power lines, energized electrical parts, and improperly grounded electrical systems and tools are the most significant hazards.
Following these, issues such as inadequate wiring, wires with inadequate insulation, and overloaded circuits are common problems. Damaged equipment, misuse of tools or PPE, environmental factors like wet conditions, and external risks like flammable chemicals also contribute to accidents.
Real-Life Accidents
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1-2. What is the first step toward protecting yourself from the many electrical hazards you may face on the job?
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