Professional workers stay safe on job sites by identifying and controlling electrical hazards. Without training, experience, or knowing what to look for, these hazards can lead to serious injury.
Many workers are at risk of electrical hazards while at work, including engineers, electricians, and construction workers. Members of the construction industry are most at risk making up 52% of electrical deaths in the workplace in the US. Workers installing or repairing electrical lines are at significant risk, but any worker who uses electricity is at risk of injury or death. The rest of this post will go into the common electrical hazards at the workplace and how you can stay safe.
1. Overhead Power Lines
Electrical powerlines that run overhead typically have high voltage resulting in major electrical burns or electrocution. When you see a downed powerline, stay back at least 10 feet. Then mark off the area with safety barriers and signs so others will be aware of the danger. Proactively keep the area below overhead lines clear.
2. Overloaded Circuits and Poor Wiring
Use the correct size wires for the current flow needed to prevent overheating or electrical fires. Make sure to use heavy-duty extension cords for most workplace needs. Overloading an outlet is never a good idea. Stay safe and unplug some equipment. Always ensure proper circuit breakers are functional for your work area.
3. Ungrounded Electrical Equipment
Unwanted excess voltage and reduced risk of electrocution are just two results of properly grounding your equipment. Keep the third metallic grounding pin in an outlet to safely return excess voltage to the ground.
4. Damaged Equipment and Tools
If you are untrained, exposing yourself to damaged equipment or tools presents serious risks. You probably have a problem on your hands if you see any breaks or cracks in cords or wiring. Always make sure to follow the Lock-Out, Tag-Out protocols at your worksite, and repair or replace defective equipment.
5. Wet Conditions
Never operate any electrical components when the environment is wet. Water conducts electricity exponentially, increasing the risk of electrocution. If the equipment or tools have been damaged, the risk is even greater.
Stay Safe with Professional Electricians
Reduce the risks and potential for injuries at your workplace by keeping these issues in mind. If you are working outside of your expertise, take extra precautions. Make sure to call in a qualified expert to navigate a more complex situation. If you need a workplace electrical audit, call in the commercial electrical experts at Electric Blue. We have been helping residents, and business owners in the Denver area stay safe around electrical equipment, tools, and outlets for over 20 years.
Give the team at Electric Blue a call today at (303) 790-8813 24/7 to keep your employees safe.