Electrocution is one of the leading causes of fatalities in the workplace. Below are five safety tips you should take in your workplace, regardless of weather you work in the construction industry or in an office building:
1. Be Cautious with Electrical Extension Cords: Extension cords can’t be avoided. Be sure that extension cords are well protected against physical damage. Routine checks should be done. Make sure there are not tears or cracks in your extension cords. If there are, make sure you contact your facilities manager immediately.
2. Assume All Electrical Devices are Energized Before Servicing Them: From changing a light bulb to performing maintenance for a piece of electrical equipment, you must always assume you are handling equipment that is energized until you can verify otherwise. Be sure to use personal protective equipment when working with electricity. This may include electrical gloves and eyewear. Only handle electrical equipment you are familiar with and make sure you are properly trained before serving any electrical equipment.
3. Use GFCI in Wet Settings: Some work settings might require Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) if work conditions are damp Those areas include kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor work settings. If your worksite falls into any of these categories, be sure your GFCI equipment is in place and is working properly.
4. Use Lockout/Tagout Equipment and Procedures: Also known as LOTO, Lockout/Tagout procedures are defined by OSHA as an effective safeguard against workplace electrocution. Lockout refers to devices that prevent unwanted access to electrical equipment by requiring the user to have a designated key. Tagout refers to devices that act as warning systems that alert others that a specific machine is currently undergoing maintenance, decreasing the chances of a person mistakenly energizing it and causing injury.
5. Maintain a Hazard Observation Checklist: Check equipment regularly. Employees in ay work setting should be trained to spot immediate dangers, such as exposed wires, dangerous spills, worn extension cords or machines that are not operating properly. Checklists should be specific to each job type.
If you’ve been injured in the job, contact Finkelstein & Partners for a free consultation today.
Source: Workplace-Safety-News.info
Mr. Finkelstein is the Managing Partner of Finkelstein & Partners, LLP. He has become a noted consumer activist through his representation of injured individuals against corporate wrongdoers and irresponsible parties.
An accomplished litigator, Mr. Finkelstein has represented Plaintiffs in wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury cases. He has successfully handled dozens of multi-million dollar cases.