We are surrounded by electricity, which is both a fundamental component of nature and a significant source of energy. Electricity is used in both homes and businesses. In our daily lives, we utilize electricity to power all kinds of gear and equipment, as well as to do all kinds of tasks. We utilize it for simple things like lighting in our homes and offices. We use electricity all the time since it is so common. The world has become so reliant on power that being without it is similar to living in a nightmare. Even though electricity is widely utilized, it can still be quite deadly! A human might be exposed to numerous electrical hazards even when performing seemingly simple tasks like changing a light bulb or inserting a plug into a socket.
Electricity has been identified as a severe workplace danger by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This is due to the fact that electricity has the potential to cause severe injury or death to people who come into contact with it. According to the study, electrical injuries are mostly unintentional and can cause significant harm to human tissues and organs even if the injury is not deadly.
The sad reality is that electrical injuries like shocks, electrocution, burns, and falls caused by electrical shocks, arc bursts, and fires are almost always preventable. All that is needed is the adoption of solid Workplace First Aid Training and practices, as well as employee awareness of the risks associated with handling electricity. This is the rationale behind the norms and regulations that organizations like OSHA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have developed to be adhered to when working with or adjacent to electrical equipment and machinery. As a result, adopting electrical safety practices that comply with standards and guidelines, general good practices, and workplace procedures established to mitigate electrical hazards can improve occupational safety, whereas failing to uphold electrical safety practices at the workplace can result in mishaps, near-misses, or even fatalities!
As a result, employees who work with or near electricity, such as safety managers/supervisors, electricians, technicians, contractors, HVAC installers, electrical engineers, electrical inspectors, equipment operators, electrical equipment/machinery repairmen, and janitors, are required to get Electrical Safety Training for the workplace so they are aware of the risks associated with exposure to electricity and know how to avoid or reduce them.
Installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI): A current leak in a plug point or other electrical equipment can be found by installing a GFCI. By doing this, the person will be protected and electrical shocks, flames, and electrocution will not happen while utilizing electrical tools and equipment.
Use of overcurrent protection devices: To make sure there is no overload or short circuit in the wiring system, an overcurrent protection device, such as a circuit breaker or fuse, can detect the current that is greater than the rated current and automatically open a circuit. This device, which is widely used, not only helps to protect people from electrical threats but also helps to protect the machinery from harm.
Safe work practices: This is also essential while working with electricity. Every employer and organization must create work procedures and processes that assure the safety of employees who operate with electrical tools and equipment, as well as those who work in the proximity of a machine that generates an electric current. De-energization of equipment, lockout tagout procedures, creating shock protection and arc flash boundaries, labelling equipment, and wearing the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) are all parts of good practices for lowering the risks of electrical hazards.
Source: https://ohsawareness.wordpress.com/2023/09/20/why-electrical-safety-and-electrical-hazard-prevention-are-important/
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in which to work, with the most common fatal injury being caused by an electrical hazard.
The solution to this problem lies in improved training and education among workers, including subcontractors.
Not only can it help avoid a big accident, but the building inspector will likely give you high marks — meaning you’ll save money on your building permit.In the construction industry, there are many seemingly safe practices that in reality could cause great harm if not carried out properly.
These dangers may be caused when basic safety precautions are ignored because things seem to go smoothly after the first few times a certain task is finished.
Most accidents are usually brought about by negligence and indifference to safety requirements.
Ignorance or lack of knowledge is certainly not an excuse for endangering lives.Electrical accidents can always be avoided.
