Workplace Electrical Fatalities: 2011 – 2024
Every year the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) compiles workplace safety data from the Bureau of Labor Statsitics (BLS) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to track trends on electrical safety in the workplace. Electrical fatality rates have stayed steady between 2011 – 2024 1,654 electrical fatalities in the workplace between 2011 – […]
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters: Preventing Electrocution Since 1973
Download Attachment Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) Preventing Electrocutions Since 1971 Since the first introduction of GFCIs in homes, there has been an: 81% drop in electrocutions 95% drop in electrocutions caused by consumer products. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that: 47% of current electrocutions could be prevented with proper GFCI protection 50% of American homes were […]
Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment
Water and electricity do not mix. Follow this guide to quickly see what equipment must be replaced and which electronics may be reconditioned. Any water-damaged equipment even if thoroughly dried will pose serious long-term safety and fire risk if not properly reconditioned. ESF recommends that the evaluation of water-damaged electrical equipment be conducted by qualified […]
Workplace Safety – Know When to Say When – Know When to Stop Work
While qualified electrical line workers and electricians are often willing to go above and beyond the call, some jobs require specific knowledge and experience. That’s why it’s important to stop and reassess a situation if there is ever a doubt about a job’s task or a procedure’s requirement. As qualified electrical workers, it is our […]
Workplace Safety – Limits of Approach – Always Look Up
It’s no surprise that a construction job site can be an incredibly dangerous workplace. With so many safety protocols and procedures to follow, it can seem overwhelming. But the truth is, most accidents involving electricity, are caused by non-electrical workers inadvertently contacting power lines. Voltage Limited Approach Boundary < 50 V 10 ft (3 m) […]
Prevent Common Causes of Electrical Fatalities – Video Short
Remember to never get too comfortable working near or around energized environments. Be aware of hazards like overhead power lines or energized equipment before you start any job, and always test for voltage. You do not want to come into contact with electricity in a confined space.
Always Look Up – Video Short
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.
Workplace Safety: Avoid Common Electrical Hazards
Contact with or exposure to electricity is one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities. Follow these tips to avoid electrical injury: Overhead Power Line Contact 46% of all electrical fatalities are caused by contact with overhead power lines 57% of overhead power line fatalities were in non-electrical occupations Always assume all lines are live […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]