Electricity surrounds everything we do, including the workplace. It is so much a part of our daily lives that it can be easy for workers to become complacent and forget how powerful and potentially dangerous electricity can be. We'll help you understand which step should you take to ensure the safe use of electrical equipment in your work environment.
Electrical safety is vital for all workplaces from office environments to construction sites. Unsafe electrical use can cause burns, electric shock, falls, fires and even electrocution, escalating costs and jeopardizing employees. As a quick refresher, here are some tips for improving electrical safety in the workplace.
General Electrical Safety
There are some basics everyone should know about how to handle electrical devices safely. Test before you touch is one basic rule, whilst also remembering that water and electricity don’t mix – even damp hands should be avoided when handling electrical cords and contacting outlets. Some other general electrical safety reminders include:
Electrical Equipment Safety
From hand tools to copiers, all electrical equipment should be handled carefully and maintained in the workplace. We've detailed 5 most common electrical safety hazards in construction in our recent blog.
Simple safety precautions can prevent electrical overloads on equipment that can result in sparks, fires and other electrical safety issues. Some rules to apply to the workplace include:
Maintenance and repairs are crucial for electrical equipment to prevent damage and hazards. All electrical equipment should be repaired by a qualified technician – never try to fix electrical problems or equipment with amateur repairs.
All workplaces use electricity and should have an electrical safety program in place. Our safety professionals at SafetyPro Resources, LLC offer electrical safety training and audits to help ensure our clients in the Gulf Coast area meet OSHA and other safety standards for the workplace. Contact us online or call our office at (800) 941-0714 to learn more about electrical safety protocols to protect your business.