Heads Up: May Is National Electrical Safety Month

Heads Up: May Is National Electrical Safety Month

In case you didn't get the memo, May is National Electrical Safety Month. Throughout the month of may, employers are encountered to talk about their workers about potential electrical hazards and how to avoid them. To learn more about National Electrical Safety Month, including how to participate in it, keep reading.

What Is National Electrical Safety Month?

National Electrical Safety Month it exactly what is sounds like: It's a month-long campaign in which employers and workers tackle electrical hazards. National Electrical Safety Month was pioneered by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) as a means of protecting workers from electrical hazards. It's been around for several years, and since that time, thousands of businesses throughout the United States have acknowledged it.

The Dangers of Electrical Hazards in the Workplace

Many workplaces have electrical hazards that, if left unchecked, can cause serious injury or even fatality. Research shows that nearly 10,000 workers in the United States sustained an electrical-related injury from 2012 to 2016. Based on those numbers, that means roughly 2,000 workers are injured while working with or around electricity in any given year.

While workplaces often have other hazards present, few are as dangerous as electricity. It's estimated that approximately 8% of all electrical-related injuries sustained by workers are fatal. Electrocution is a fatal shock of electricity that's responsible for hundreds of deaths per year. With National Electrical Safety Month, employers can curb the risk of electrocution and other electrical injuries by educating workers.

Tips to Protect Against Electrical Hazards in the Workplace

To participate in Electrical Safety Month, you should educate your business's workers about electrical hazards and how to avoid them. Damaged electrical cords, for example, are considered an electrical hazard. Electrical cords, including extension cords, are designed to carry electricity from a power outlet. When damaged, they may carry too much electricity, or they may fail to contain the electricity.

Electricians should also use lockout/tagout procedures when servicing electrical equipment. As you may know, lockout/tagout refers to the use of a lock that disengages the power to a machine or piece of equipment while subsequently preventing it from turning on.

Workers should beware of using conductive tools around outlets. Conductive tools are those that conduct electricity. Many tools are made of metal. While some types of metal are resistive, others are conductive. These conductive tools pose a risk of injury since they can carry electricity from an outlet to a worker's body.

May 19th 2021

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