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Preventing Electrical Hazards in the Work Place

Electrical hazards in the workplace pose a dangerous threat to every industry and in 2015 alone, electrical hazards caused 134 fatalities and 2,480 injuries in the workplace.

Coming into contact with exposed wires or fires/explosions where electricity was the source of ignition can cause serious injury, electrical shock, and sometimes death. Thankfully, however, electrical hazards can also one of the easiest to prevent by taking proactive measures and actions. Health and safety in the workplace are more than a compliance standard; it is your duty and responsibility to keep your staff safe no matter what industry you operate in. Here are a few of the most common electrical hazards in the workplace and simple steps you can start taking to avoid them causing any harm or disruption to your facility.

Overloaded Circuits

With the amount of equipment and tools being used on a daily and sometimes hourly basis, power sockets are one of the biggest causes of electrical hazards and safety problems in the workplace. Many facilities don’t keep an eye on the number of circuits that are available for the staff to safely power the equipment and this oversight often ends with circuits being piled up with an overwhelming amount of electrical loads causing them to overload and cause electrical fires rather quickly. By ensuring there are an adequate amount of power circuits for the equipment in each room and installing new ones should the need arise, you can prevent any overloading and overheating of circuits and ensure that all of your staff’s equipment is being used within a safe range of voltage. We will reitierate this through this post, but hiring a professional to evaluate the wiring and overall electrical grid in your building is extremely important.

Inspect Cords and Outdated Wiring

Another major culprit for electrical injuries in the workplace is damaged cords, as well as any outdated wiring. Damaged cords and outdated wiring can wreak havoc in any work environment and any exposure of wires, faulty lines, or lack of proper insulation can often cause fires, shocks, blackouts, and fatalities. When these situations arise, even workers who are not handling the electrical equipment are at risk. Inspect and scrutinize each cord and wiring being used before it is put into use. Ensure that the wiring is entirely intact and free from any cracks, abrasions, or frayed edges. If you or any of your staff members notice a strange smell or noise, tag the item with a warning sign and notify all staff members that the equipment is unsafe to use until a complete and proper inspection is done.

Hire A Licensed Electrician

If you are still unsure of the current state of your electrical equipment, bringing in a qualified and licensed electrician to take a look is the next best way to ensure your facility is up to code. One of the best ways to inspect and manage the status and safety of any potential electrical hazards is to get your electrical equipment tested and tagged by a licensed or registered electrical safety company on a regular basis. Licensed electricians are trained to properly inspect, install, repair, and dismantle worksite wiring in compliance with electrical safety codes and can even help train workers on the proper handling of electrical equipment and power supply systems. Hiring somebody who knows what they are doing will not only ensure the safety of a building’s occupants, but it will also save you money in the long run.

By taking these hazards into consideration and taking the necessary steps to ensure safety, you can significantly reduce any potential risk that your employees may come in contact with.

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