Easiest Ways to Prevent Electrical Hazards

LAW BLOG  •

April 5, 2018

Electrical hazards injure and kill many people each year, especially in on-the-job accidents. While many workplaces and occupations have natural hazards as part of their daily routines, with proper care and attention, it is possible to reduce the risk of injury and death from electricity.

Statistics on Electrical Accidents in the Workplace

Between 2003 and 2016, fatalities from electrical hazards in the workplace have increased by 15%. In 2016, 154 electrical fatalities represented a 15% increase just over the prior year. Construction is the most dangerous occupation for electrical accidents, with 53% of all fatal electrical accidents coming from that industry. Eighty-two fatal accidents related to electricity occurred in the construction industry, almost three times as many from the second highest source.

There were 1,640 injuries from electrical accidents in 2016. There were 270 electrical burn injuries and 150 electric shock injuries in the construction industry that same year. Nonfatal injuries were most common in the agriculture industry, with a rate of 0.5 electrical shock injuries per 10,000 versus the construction industry’s 0.2 per 10,000.

Preventing Electrical Hazards

While electrical hazards are common, preventing accidents doesn’t require extraordinary measures. In fact, preventing electrical hazards only requires following some basic safety procedures.

  • Always have licensed electricians perform electrical work. This ensures the job will follow all safety codes and the technician will perform to the highest standards.
  • Check extension cords before each use. Frayed or torn insulation in extension cords is one of the most common dangers for electrical hazards on the job site.
  • Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Whether on the job or at home, the GFCI protects you from electrocution from water encountering exposed wires or outlets.
  • Inspect tools for damage. Insulation in electrical tools helps prevent electrocution. Thoroughly inspect each tool for damage to insulation and damage to the cord before each use to prevent the risk of electric shock.
  • Water and electricity don’t mix. Using electrical tools in the rain or running outlets and extension cords through puddles is a dangerous mix that often contributes to accidents. Make sure that your tools are dry and your cords stay dry to avoid injury.
  • Do not ever alter a plug. Snipping off the ground prong or filing down the wide prong on a plug creates a danger for electrical fire and shock. If the outlet will not accommodate your plug, the best option is to have a licensed electrician install a new, properly grounded outlet for the tools or appliance you wish to use.
  • Protect extension cords from damage. Stretching extension cords across busy walkways or paths where heavy equipment travels can lead to damage to the extension cords’ insulation, or to the core. Using cord covers helps prevent this damage and keeps everyone safe from electrical fires and shock.
  • Use the right bulbs. Whether you have portable lighting at a job site or are replacing the bulb on your front porch, using a light bulb that is too strong for the outlet can overload the wiring and cause a fire.
  • Use the right extension cord. Even if you’ve inspected your cord to ensure it is free from damage and kept it dry and safe for use, if the cord you are using is not rated for the equipment you are plugging into it, you are at risk. An overloaded extension cord can overheat and catch fire. Always pick the right cord for the job.

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