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Electrical Safety at the Workplace: Top 7 Tips You Need to Know!

Did you know that nearly 4,000 people are electrocuted in the workplace each year in the U.S.? With statistics like these, it’s clear that electrical safety at the workplace should be your top priority if you own a business.

From fires to electrical shocks, electrical hazards are a real threat to businesses of all sizes. Is your business prepared for an electrical emergency? Implementing simple electrical safety tips can help protect your employees, customers, and property from electrical hazards.

7 Useful Workplace Electrical Safety Tips

Here are the selected top 7 electrical safety tips to keep in mind to prevent electrical fires, accidents, and injuries:

  1. Don’t Overload Your Electrical Outlets 

Sometimes, multitasking at the workplace makes it tempting to plug in multiple devices or appliances into a single electrical outlet. But this can pose a serious fire hazard. It can also trip the circuit breaker and plunge your workplace into darkness.

If you need more outlets than are available, talk to your boss or building manager about installing additional electrical outlets. In the meantime, try utilizing power strips and extension cords. But be sure not to overload these either!

  1. Arrange Thorough Electrical Inspections

A few things to look for during a detailed electrical safety inspection are loose wires, damaged insulation, and overheated components. If any of these problems are found, they should be fixed immediately.

In addition to inspecting electrical equipment, it’s also essential to ensure that all flammable materials are stored safely away from heat sources to prevent an electrical fire from getting worse.

  1. Follow OSHA Guidelines for Electrical Safety at Workplace

OSHA has several recommendations for electrical safety in the workplace. Most employers are aware of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the strict guidelines they abide by to ensure a safe work environment.

However, many employers are unaware. Several types of electrical hazards can occur in the workplace, including arc flash/blast, electrocution, fires, and explosions. Therefore, familiarize yourself with OSHA guidelines and implement them in your business.

  1. Train Your Employees for Electrical Safety

Educating your employees about electrical safety is vital for preventing electrical accidents and injuries. Be sure to have a comprehensive electrical safety program in place and provide regular training for your employees.

Teach them about common electrical hazards, proper usage of electrical equipment, wearing protective gear, and all other mandatory precautions to ensure workplace electrical safety. They must understand the basics of electricity. This includes how it works and how it can be dangerous.

  1. Educate Employees About Arc Flash & Fire Safety

You may take every measure to prevent electric fire, but it can still occur. Arc flash and fire safety training can help your employees stay safe in the event of an electrical fire. Be sure to provide this type of training regularly.

Arc flash and fire safety training can teach employees about the dangers of electrical fires and how to prevent them. Employees can keep themselves and their co-workers safe by understanding the hazards and taking precautions.

  1. Install Electrical Protection Devices

Installing electrical protection devices, such as circuit breakers and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), is the best way to prevent electrical fires. Be sure to have these devices installed in your offices and factories.

Circuit breakers will automatically shut off the power if there is an overload, while GFCIs will shut off the power if there is a short circuit or ground fault.

  1. Keep Your Equipment Maintained

Regular maintenance of electrical equipment is critical to preventing accidents and injuries. Be sure to keep up with your electrical equipment’s maintenance schedule.

Get your equipment inspected regularly by a licensed professional. Check for any signs of damage, such as cracks, frayed wires, or loose connections. Also, keep your equipment clean and plugged into the right power source.

Following these electrical safety tips can help create a safe work environment for your employees and customers. If you own a business, taking necessary steps for the sake of electrical safety at the workplace is non-negotiable.

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Jeson Pitt

Jeson Pitt works with the marketing department of D&F Liquidators and regularly writes to share his knowledge while enlightening people about electrical products and solving their electrical dilemmas. He’s got the industry insights that you can count on along with years of experience in the field.

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