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 and dangerous
  • Always look up; be aware of overhead power lines
  • Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines
  • Do not touch anything that is in contact with overhead power lines
  •  Carry equipment, including ladders, horizontally to avoid contact with power lines
  • Stay at least 35 feet away from downed lines

Accidental Contact with Energized Conductors or Parts

  • 45% of all electrical fatalities were caused by working on or near energized conductors or parts
  • 74% of these fatalities were in electrical occupations
  • Always test for voltage before you perform work. Be sure to also test the area around the equipment you are working on to avoid accidental contact with energized equipment
  • Always perform a site and risk assessment before conducting work. Hazards exist on and near the equipment you are working on
  • When possible, turn off the power before conducting work
  • Follow proper lockout / tagout procedures
  • Avoid complacency. Every job is different, make sure you follow the hierarchy of controls and other electrical safety work practices on every job

Electrical Safety in the Workplace

  • 69% of all electrical fatalities involved non-electrical occupations
  • Know when to say when. If you feel unsafe performing a job, say something
  • Be aware of potential electrical hazards in the workplace. Avoid electrical rooms and other potentially hazardous areas
  • All electrical work should be completed by qualified workers with proper training
  • GFCI protection should be installed where electricity and water may come in contact
  • 5 sources accounted for 92% of all electrical fatalities
    • Overhead power lines
    • Unexpected contact with electricity
    • Working on energized parts
    • Ground faults
    • Damaged wiring