According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), there were 166 workplace fatalities and 1,900 non-fatal workplace injuries related to electricity in 2019. To increase electrical safety awareness and prevent electrical fires and electrocutions, the ESFI offers the following tips.
Don’t Overtax Wiring: Avoid overloading power strips, extension cords, or surge protectors and dispose of adapters that allow three or four plugs in one socket.
Use Extension Cords Safely: Extension cords are designed for temporary use and should not be left plugged in all the time. They should not be used in high-traffic areas, hidden under carpets or furniture, or attached to walls. Read the warning information on extension cords to avoid using a low-voltage cord with high-voltage equipment. Also, extension cords designed for indoor use should not be used outside.
Install Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters: Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are an important component of electrical safety. Once required only for temporary wiring at construction sites and residential bathrooms, GFCI are now required in many more workplace and residential applications per National Electric Code (NEC) standards. Next week, we’ll review special considerations for electrical systems in older buildings.
Check out the e-Risk Management newsletter archive for more tips.
Make it a safe day!
Mike Schofield
President & CEO
