Page 19 - Occupational Health & Safety, December 2018

analysis results, or every five years, whichever occurs first.
3. Hazard Prevention
Proactivity toward prevention lowers safety risks. Any and all pre- ventive measures will drastically lower the probability of a hazard- ous scenario from happening. Preventive maintenance, such as infrared thermography, reduces the risk of equipment failure, job safety planning/job briefings, and safety audits, among others.
4. Hazard Mitigation
The hierarchy of control methods state that after any risks have been identified, risk mitigation needs to be effectively implement- ed, such as the following:
■ Elimination, substitution, and engineering controls are the most effective methods. They are usually applied at the source and are less likely to be affected by human error, compared to aware- ness, administrative controls, and PPE.
■ The potential for human error and its negative consequences on people, processes, the work environment, and equipment must be considered during the implementation of mitigation measures.
5. Electrical Safety Training
Training workers (employees and contractors) who are exposed to hazards is critical to workplace safety, particularly when the hazard risk is not eliminated or reduced to a safe level. Workers need to be able to identify and understand the specific hazards associated with their respective job assignments. Electrical safety, lockout/tagout,
and emergency response in a classroom setting, on the job, or a combination of the two are required within the scope of training, according to the NFPA 70E standard.
A worker will be considered a qualified person once he/she is qualified to perform the job safely and is trained and knowledge- able about the equipment and work method; is able to identify the associated electrical hazards; and is familiar with the proper use of the precautionary procedures, techniques, tools, and PPE required to avoid them. Only qualified persons should be permitted to work exposed to electrical hazards that have not been put into an elec- trically safe working condition. Unqualified workers also need to be familiar with any electrical safety-related practices necessary for their workplace safety. The employer is responsible for determin- ing, at least on an annual basis, that each employee is complying with the required safety-related work practices and for document- ing that each employee has received the proper training, including names, training content, and training dates. The employer also has shared responsibility for contractors.
Creating a safe workplace is an ongoing process. Workplace safety is a key enabler of business continuity, operational perfor- mance, and productivity. It is also a critical factor in protecting your most important assets: your employees, facilities, and finan- cial interests. Addressing these five key areas effectively will help you achieve a best-in-class safe, healthy, and productive workplace.
Jay Smith is Lewellyn Technology’s Electrical Safety Leader.
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