Page 46 - OHS, June 2020

ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Electrical hazards exist anywhere there is electricity. Companies must take the necessary steps to ensure their people are protected.
will also fall from a great height. Furthermore, extension systems that are inadequately secured pose significant tripping hazards.
Here’s What Your Company Can Do
Given the broad spectrum of electrical hazards that exist for workers, employers and employees must take the necessary steps to either eliminate or mitigate the risks. Overloads occur when the electrical demand for a circuit exceeds what it can supply. It’s important to be aware of your wattage and the electrical demand of each plug-in. Circuit breakers are an easy addition that shut off the power when the electrical current gets too high. Paying close attention to the wires being used for the job is essential to prevent wire-related incidents and fires that occur from improper wiring. To mitigate water-related electrical incidents, make sure there is no excess moisture or humidity near or around your wiring. When working with electricity, workers must ensure that they are completely dry.
Your organization should also make sure that all electrical sys- tems are properly grounded to prevent workers from accidentally
coming in contact with a live system. Temporary wiring systems should be avoided whenever necessary. As soon as the need for such a system is gone, fixed wiring systems should once again be installed out of the way of normal work activities. Extension cords should also only be used as a very temporary solution and should always be secured so that they do not become a tripping hazard. Lastly, because most overhead powerlines are not insulated, work- ers should assume that all powerlines are energized. Workers should keep their bodies, and their equipment, at least 10 feet away from powerlines, since electricity can arc to nearby objects. Em- ployees should also refrain from working in trees that are close to powerlines. Proper education and training on the associated risks and hazard mitigation techniques is essential.
Lastly, the implementation of an automated worker monitor- ing solution is a great way to ensure the safety of your people at all times. Systems that allow employees to check-in periodically throughout their shift provide monitors with peace of mind, re- gardless of how hazardous the job may be. Electrical hazards exist anywhere there is electricity. Companies must take the necessary steps to ensure that their people are protected.
Lauren Holman is a Product Marketing Associate at Scatterling. She recently graduated from UBC Sauder Business School with a specialization in Finance.
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