Electrical System Awareness and Safety

Electrical hazards can be found indoors and out, be man-made or naturally occurring. Each year in the U.S., about 300 workers suffer a fatal electrocution, and over 2,000 workers suffer severe arc-flash burns--serious enough to require treatment in a specialized burn center. Besides burns, shock injuries, and electrocutions, a fall from height caused by shock is also a significant cause of injury to workers.

Although first responders, Public Works and Park & Rec staff are at higher risk of injury than office workers, anyone may be injured by electrical energy. Although electrical hazards may advertise themselves by sparks, arcing, and smoke, often times the hazard is unseen. In a fraction of a second, an unsuspecting worker can be seriously injured or killed by a wire they didn't realize was live.

Building a clear understanding of electricity, its hazards, and electrical systems and safety precautions is crucial to maintaining a safe work environment. This CIRMA-sponsored presentation describes the electrical distribution system, potential hazards from lightning during storms and blue sky days, actions and precautions to take for snow plow vs pole accidents, trees or branches on wires, and downed wires. The program will also discuss home and office electrical safety precautions.