Working with Electricity
Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard. OSHA's electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions.
How Electricity Works
The most common causes of electrical injuries in construction include several hazards that workers must be aware of to stay safe.
- Contact with Power Lines – Workers often come into contact with overhead or buried power lines, leading to severe shocks, burns, or even fatalities. Accidental contact can occur when using ladders, cranes, scaffolding, or other equipment near live wires.
- Lack of Ground-Fault Protection – Without proper ground-fault protection, electrical systems may become dangerous, increasing the risk of electrocution. Improper grounding or lack of Ground-fault circuit interupters (GFCIs) protection is the most common electrical OSHA violation. Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) help prevent shocks by shutting off power when an electrical circuit imbalance is detected.
- Missing or Discontinuous Path to Ground – Electrical systems must have a continuous path to the ground to safely carry away excess electricity. If this path is broken or missing, electrical currents can flow through unintended routes, including workers, leading to severe injuries.
- Equipment Not Used in Manner Prescribed – Electrical tools and machinery must be operated according to manufacturer instructions. Using equipment improperly, such as bypassing safety features or using damaged tools, increases the risk of shocks, fires, and malfunctions.
- Improper Use of Extension and Flexible Cords – Extension cords and flexible cables are common on construction sites, but they can be hazardous if used incorrectly. Overloading cords, using damaged or frayed wiring, or running cords through water or high-traffic areas can lead to shocks, fires, or tripping hazards.
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4-1. What is the most common electrical OSHA violation?
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