Electricity is an important part of our everyday lives. It is also incredibly dangerous and can lead to serious injuries or even death if not properly monitored. Electrocution has been deemed as one of the big four construction hazards by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Let’s take a look at the most common electrical hazards in the workplace.
The most common electrical hazards include the following:
- Exposed electrical parts
- Improper grounding of wires
- Inadequate wiring
- Circuits that are overloaded
- Insulation that is damaged
- Wet conditions
- Tools and equipment that are damaged
- Overhead power lines
When you work with electricity, you need to have the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) or you could wind up being electrocuted. This equipment includes rubber gloves that fit properly, a hard hat, goggles, clothing that is insulated and more. The rating of the glove must match the type of work that is being performed.
You should never work with electricity when your PPE is damaged. OSHA states that metal hard hats should never be worn when you are working near an electric line.
According to OSHA, there were 212 workers who died from electrocution in 2007. Of the 212 workers who died, 108 of them were working on construction sites. OSHA statistics also report that close to 5 percent of all deaths are related to electrocution.
Electrocution is an all too common problem on construction sites across California and the rest of the country. More and more workers, despite the precautions taken, are still suffering electrocution injuries. Be safe on the job and only work under proper conditions.
