Electric Vehicle Charging Safety
Stay safe while charging your electric vehicle: Visually inspect the charging cable before use. Never use a damaged charger Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to charge Never use an extension cord or multiplug adapter when charging electric vehicles Only use manufacturer-provided or approved charging cables. Never use an adapter to change charging types Never […]
NFPA 70B: Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance
The 2023 edition of NFPA 70B® introduced the document as a new standard rather than a recommended practice. These new requirements cover what must be done to maintain electrical equipment. Chapter 1.2 of NFPA 70B® lists its purpose as “to provide for practical safeguarding of persons, property and processes from risks associated with failure, breakdown, […]
Workplace Electrical Fatalities: 2011 – 2023
In 2025, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) compiled data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to track electrical safety trends in the workplace. ESFI found that certain demographics and occupations are more prone to electrical incidents in the workplace. Electrical Safety in the Workplace Contact […]
NEMA BI 50029-2025 Impact of Transient Overvoltage on Equipment
The NEMA Low Voltage Surge Protective Devices Section has been asked to provide an overview of electrical and electronic equipment transient overvoltage susceptibility. Transient Overvoltages damage, degrade, or destroy sensitive electronic equipment . This results in equipment failure, damage, and downtime as well as subsequent losses in productivity and revenue. Appropriate mitigation technologies are essential […]
Always Look Up Resources
Download ESFI’s Always Look Up Logo Before starting any job, always look up, always. Be aware of overhead power lines and other electrical hazards in your space before starting a job. Stay safe out there. All of ESFI’s materials are free to use and distribute. A great use for this graphic is on posters or […]
ESFI & Wesco Connected Safety Survey
In 2024, the Electrical Safety Foundation and Wesco surveyed safety professionals to see how connected safety devices and the recent changes in NFPA 70B: Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance have helped increase safety and identify opportunities for improvement in their facilities. Connected Safety Devices Connected safety utilizes video analytics, wearable devices, robotics, environmental sensors, virtual […]
NFPA 70B: What the Change Means for Maintenance, Operations and Safety
ESF and Wesco’s article, NFPA 70B: What the Change Means for Maintenance, Operations and Safety, was recently published by Buildings Magazine. Read the article here. NFPA 70B: What the Change Means for Maintenance, Operations and Safety The 2023 revision of NFPA 70B is bringing about a new era of electrical safety in the […]
Always Assume Power Lines are Live: Truck Operator Safety
Downed power lines can be deadly. Always assume a downed power line is live and avoid approaching them or anything near them. Use Precaution: Downed power lines can energize the ground up to 35 feet away. Even more in wet conditions. If you see a downed power line, call 911 Never drive over a downed […]
Avoid Overhead Power line Contact: Heavy Truck Operator
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, heavy truck operators have a high number of workplace electrical fatalities. Remember your GOAL: Get Out And Look. 76% of heavy truck operator electrical fatalities occurred from contact with overhead power lines. Keep raised truck beds at least 10 feet away from all power lines. Have “look […]
2024 AFCI and GFCI Performance Survey
In 2024, the Electrical Safety Foundation surveyed occupations with electrical contracting, electrical design, electrical engineering, and electrical planning to gain an understanding of the performance of safety devices required in the National Electrical Code. The survey was conducted in California with a focus on Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). Key Findings: […]
Safety Best Practices to Implement in the Year Ahead
ESF and Wesco’s article, Safety Best Practices to Implement in the Year Ahead, was recently published on EHS Today’s website. Read the article here. Safety Best Practices to Implement in the Year Ahead By Brett Brenner, ESF, and Shawn Gregg, Wesco The beginning of a new year brings with it a multitude of new resolutions, […]
Construction Safety: Truck Driver Safety
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), truck drivers of heavy trucks have a high number of workplace electrical fatalities. A total of 76% of these fatalities occurred from contact with overhead power lines. 70% of all worker electrical fatalities occur in non-electrical occupations. 76% of heavy truck driver workplace electrical fatalities occurred […]