Electricity is all around us and we interact with it everyday from charging our phones to turning on our lights and microwaving our lunch. We have become accustomed to using this power source and often times forget about how deadly electricity can be if used incorrectly. Electricity carries with it the potential for fire, electrical shock or even electrocution, yet many companies have lacking or no formal safety policies and procedures to keep staff safe.
A recent case here in Ohio has brought this to the forefront of OSHA news and placed the development of electrical safe working practices on the top of many safety managers desks. OSHA has proposed fines in the amount of $256,000 to Take 5 Carwash as a result of their lacking electrical safety programs. These citations include lockout/tagout violations, missing adequate working area around electrical equipment and failure to provide training for unqualified people on the hazards of electricity.
As an organization, you can take some simple yet effective steps to prevent injuries and citations related to electrical safety. Take some time this week to look around your work area and fix the following problems if they exist:
1) Powerstrips should be plugged directly into an outlet and not an extension cord.
2) Electrical panels should have clearance around them that allows for quick and easy access (no storage in front of panels).
3) Cord and plug equipment should be inspected prior to use and removed from service if a ground pin is missing or the cords are damaged.
4) Extension cords are designed for temporary use and should be unplugged and picked up after use.
How does your electrical safe work practices policy and procedures look at your company? When was the last time you audited your manufacturing floor for cord and plug equipment damage, housekeeping around electrical equipment and damaged electrical components? Have you provided training to all employees including office staff on the hazards of electricity and how to prevent electrical fires, shock or electrocution?
If you are looking for assistance with your electrical safe work practices program or your training of staff send me a message and we can setup a time to chat.