Tag Archives: electrical hazards

General Safety Issues

Workplace Hazards: What to Look For and How to Mitigate Them

Ian Brough, Managing Director at Building Interiors highlights some of the potential risks and how businesses can better protect employees

If you look around your office right now, can you identify any hazards? If you answered no, you are no different to the majority of employers and employees.

In reality, however, all work spaces have the potential to present risks to health and safety, from slips and trips to fire hazards and even the computers you work at.

Below, I highlight some of the main threats to employers and employees, how you can spot them and what you can do to improve workplace safety.

1) Slips and trips

This is one of the most common factors in workplace injuries and they are usually caused by human error. Some of the things that cause slips and trips include:
  • WW
  • Floors left wet from cleaning
  • Loose doormats, rugs and carpets
  • Electrical cables
  • Uneven surfaces
  • Objects left in doorways
To overcome these hazards, consider employing cleaners out of work hours or, if not possible, ensure they leave out “wet floor” signs to warn employees.

Doormats, rugs and carpets must be secure and trailing electrical cables tied together and, if crossing over a doorway, placed under a tidy.

Uneven surfaces should be clearly marked, and a bit of good housekeeping ensures that items are not left in doorways or places where they present a trip hazard.

2) Fire safety

A fire inside any business can be catastrophic, let alone deadly, so it is important to ensure that you have the correct safety procedures in place.

These are some of the key hazards to be aware of:
  • Overheated electrical equipment
  • Gas hobs, matches and lighters
  • Smoking
  • Sources of fuel (paper, packaging, etc)
The most effective way of preventing electrical equipment from overheating is to ensure that is it turned off at the end of the day. This also helps your business be more energy efficient.

Be mindful of gas hobs being left on and ensure that matches and lighters are stored safely and are not left near flammable materials.
Smoking should be banned from inside any workspace and, again, good housekeeping ensures that sources of fuel (paper, cardboard, packaging) are properly disposed of.

It goes without saying that fire exits should not be blocked at any time, and you should hold regular drills to ensure employees know how to evacuate the building in the event of fire.

3) Electrical hazards

Electricity presents one of the greatest risks to employees, and while you may not work with it directly the chances are the equipment you need to carry out your job is powered by it.

To ensure employees are protected, be mindful of the following:
  • Damaged cables
  • Overloaded sockets
  • Electrical equipment near water
  • Equipment being used incorrectly
Of course, any office space in the UK should undertake regular portable appliance testing (PAT) to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe to use.

4) Display screen equipment
Falls, fires and electrical faults may seem like common health and safety issues, but a less obvious workplace hazard is the computers, smartphones and screens used by staff.

Potential issues presented by employees spending excessive amounts of time working from screens include:
  • Repetitive movement
  • Screen glare
  • Poor posture
  • Long periods of inactivity
To overcome this, it is important to educate employees on good posture and how to set up their desk, chair and computer so that they adopt the best position.

Employees should also be allowed to take regular breaks and perhaps even encourage staff to exercise from their desks.
These are just some of the main workplace hazards, but by undertaking the solutions suggested above you can greatly mitigate risks to employees.
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

Workplace Safety & Workers Insurance Creates a Loyal Workforce

Workplace Safety & Workers Insurance Creates a Loyal Workforce

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 3 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers in 2016. Of the most searched safety concerns in America, workplace safety is a major cause for concern for both American employers and employees.

Workplace accidents have a severe impact on workers, which could be both physical as well as psychological, leading to reduced productivity. Accidents at the workplaces, including near misses, is a clear indication of having some uncontrolled hazard that needs to be identified and removed before it can cause any further accidents and injuries.

Workplace accidents hurt not only to employees but also employers and the business. The reduced productivity results in lower staff morale, lost sales and even closure of the business, in the worst-case scenario.

Employees are a Business’ Biggest Asset

In 2016, 40% of the employers worldwide had difficulty filling positions, representing a 2% increase from 2015, according to a 2016-17 Talent Shortage survey conducted by Manpower Group. Lack of available applicants and hard skills were cited as major reasons for employers being unable to fill positions.

Needless to say, skilled employees are a company’s biggest asset, not just because they are rare to find but because these talents provide a competitive advantage to the business. Hiring and retaining the right talent is the single most effective way of achieving results and reaching growth goals for a company.

Why Workers Compensation Insurance is a Must

When employers show they care, employees are likely to feel more motivated and believe in the company’s goals. It is for this reason that businesses make sure to provide workers compensation coverage for their workers. Worker compensation insurance is also a state mandate program, the aim of which is to provide workers with much-needed protection.

In case the employee suffers a work-related injury or illness, the insurance covers lost wages and medical treatment, so that the worker can focus on getting well, rather than trying to get back to work quickly, even before they have recovered fully, to avoid missing out on wages, says an expert at Danskin Agency.

Although workers compensation covers for medical expenses for the initial and follow-up treatments, as well as physical and occupational rehab therapies, medication, etc., it is better to prevent workplace accidents in the first place.

3 Most Important Aspects of Workers Safety

1.      Ensure Fall Protection

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on occupational injuries and illnesses, falling from a height to a lower level was the reason for nearly 5% of all worker injuries and illnesses in 2013, accounting for 13% of all fatal work-related injuries.

To provide fall protection, employers need to first identify locations that are high risk areas and train employees on proper protective gear while working at a height.

2.      Identify Cause of Workplace Fatigue

At work, fatigue is a major safety issue. Occupational fatigue is often the result of heavy workload, long working hours, lack of sleep, as well as several environmental factors and medical conditions.

It is the employer’s responsibility to help employees combat fatigue by offering them breaks and scheduling their work during their most alert and active hours, while emphasizing upon the importance of sleep, as published by Safety and Health Magazine.

Providing workers compensation insurance is a great way to let workers feel cared for and know that their efforts are valued.

3.      Electrical Hazards

Inappropriate use of extension cords can become a major cause of workplace mishaps. Over time, their insulation wears down, being subjected to traffic abuse by feet or forklifts, which can create shock hazards.

Employers need to make sure that extension cords being used are new and heavy gauge and are placed at a maximum possible distance from human interaction.

When employees know that they are working in a safe environment, their satisfaction levels will increase, and absenteeism will drop. Establishing safety programs and offering workers compensation insurance will create a more contented workforce, which will ultimately help the business.

General Safety Issues

ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRACTICES FOR INSPECTING AND PROTECTING YOUR HOME (GUEST POST)

We received this very informative article written by Tom Gillece of Gillece Services, and hope you pay attention to this and other posts that have warned us about possible electrical hazards in our homes. pb

A licensed electrician can conduct a thorough electrical inspection of your home to look for possible hazards, signs of damage, proper electrical capacity, and more, to ensure the safety and efficiency of electricity throughout your home. An electrical inspection is important especially in older homes and in cases where the electrical capacity is not great enough to meet the demands of a home’s electrical needs. Having your home inspected and inspecting what you can on your own, as well as taking steps to avoid possible electrical danger, can help to prevent potential electrical damage and fire.

While you may not be a professional, licensed electrician, there are still some basic signs you can look for and rules to follow when it comes to electrical security in your home. Detecting red flags ahead of time and utilizing your electrical connections appropriately can help you to keep your home safe and functioning properly.

What to look for:

Outlets and Switches:

Are your outlets or switches hot to the touch? Or do you notice a tear-shaped dark mark forming above an outlet? If so, you will want to stop immediate use of either. High heat and discoloration could indicate a serious problem with internal electrical wiring. Unplug anything in the outlet and turn off the coordinating switch. Outlet and switch cover plates, as well, should not be cracked or broken, as this could lead to exposed wiring. A professional electrician can fix or replace wall plates in addition to upgrading outlets, if suitable, from two-prong to three-prong outlets.

Power Cords and Power Strips:

Electrical cords need ventilation so that they don’t overheat. This means that cords around your home should not be placed under rugs or on furniture, nor nailed or stapled onto walls. Nails, staples, etc. can damage cords. Extension cords may be a good solution for extending electrical use, but only on a temporary basis. If your home is in need of more outlets or electrical capacity, consult with an electrician to address these problems for a permanent solution that is safer and more sufficient. Power strips fall under the same situation; they only provide more access to one source of electricity rather than increasing the power supply. So there is still a risk of a power surge or shortage occurring, which can lead to damage or fire.

Light Bulbs and Appliances:

Light bulbs and appliances should be used according to directed instructions and with proper size and operation in mind. Light bulbs should not exceed the unit’s wattage requirements in which they are being used. Bulbs should also be firmly screwed into place as loose bulbs can overheat. Other appliances that consistently blow a fuse or cause an electrical shock should be replaced as well as unplugged and turned off if in operation.

For further electrical protection and fire prevention, consider these solutions:

  • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter:

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) automatically turns off power to a circuit when any problem or difference in electrical flow is detected. They prevent possible deadly shock that can occur from contact with a leakage current. GFCI’s are recommended for rooms with high water usage such as the bathroom or kitchen, and they should be tested monthly to ensure their operation.

  • Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

Each of these detectors is highly important in any home to alert occupants of impending danger. Smoke alarms are recommended to be installed in every bedroom and on every level of a home. It is best if they are all connected so that when one sounds, they all sound. They should be tested monthly and replaced typically every ten years, though sometimes sooner. Carbon monoxide detectors are designed to sound before life-threatening levels of carbon monoxide are reached in a home. They are recommended to be placed in hallways outside of bedrooms or in each of a home’s sleeping areas.

A professional electrician can inspect your home in all areas to address your concerns, provide options and solutions, or to reassure you of your home’s safe electrical condition. Upgrades may be necessary where more electrical capacity is needed or if electrical sources are damaged, outdated, or otherwise unsafe. Both a professional and personal evaluation of your home can help to prevent electrical damage and fire and to keep your home’s electricity secured and sufficient for ongoing use.

Gillece Services has been in business for over 30 years. They’re Pittsburgh’s one-stop-shop for Pittsburgh Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electrical, Indoor Air Quality, Water Quality, and Waterproofing services.

Find out more at http://www.gillece.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

INSIDE THE UPS AND DOWNS OF ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

Today’s guest post is sent to us by Jack Rubinger, www.duralabel.com/.  Working around electricity can be very dangerous, so pay attention to these excellent safety tips from Jack:

Look up!

Electrical hazards are overhead. Live wires run dangerously close to cranes, drilling rigs, backhoes, dump trucks and tree trimmers.Electrical hazards are the second leading cause of deaths in the construction industry, killing an average of 143 construction workers each year, according to The Center for Construction Research and Training.

Isn’t it time for a renewed call for visible cues to warn us of electrical hazard dangers from up high, down low and both inside and outside our facilities? New sign and label materials will hold up for years in all kinds of weather conditions – making them ideal for electrical hazards which may occur in facilities and outdoors. A new puncture-proof, water-proof and mildew resistant fabric-like stock is made to survive extreme outdoor and indoor conditions.  Proper labeling doesn’t just save time and money, it saves lives.  Accidental contact of overhead electrical power lines by mobile equipment is a leading cause of occupational fatalities in the United States, accounting for 20% of on-the-job electrocutions, reported the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.  Many safety rules and regulations have been established to protect those facing the greatest risks from electrical hazards.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has standards for mobile and locomotive cranes that include operation near overhead power lines and tree care operations that provide safety requirements. Standards address the following issues:

  • Consider any overhead wire to be energized unless and until the person owning the line or the utility authorities verify that the line is not energized.
  • De-energize power lines before work begins, erect insulated barriers to prevent physical contact with the energized lines, or maintain safe clearance between the energized lines and boomed equipment.
  • Notify line owners before work is performed near power lines.
  • Post warnings on cranes cautioning the operators to maintain safe clearance between energized power lines and their equipment.
  • Review common electrical hazard safety signs and pay attention to important OSHA/ANSI safety codes, standards and regulations.

Make sure to use the appropriate colors, formats and designs as outlined in OSHA §1910.145. Signs used to identify safety issues should be designed in a specified format to comply.

Look down!

Buried or partially exposed power lines are especially hazardous because they carry extremely high voltage. Check work areas for other forms of electrical equipment including street lights and traffic lights – indicators that underground power lines will be present. Look out for sand, plastic strips or specially marked bricks when excavating, which signal the presence of underground power lines. Plans and maps identifying the location of underground cables can date quickly and underground depths can alter road upgrades or developments. The depth of underground cables vary from site to site or even on the same property. Underground cables should never be moved or relocated unless authorized. Below are tasks that expose workers to underground power lines.

  • A plumber cutting a water pipe when there could be an electric cable next to the pipe.
  • A fencing contractor digging holes where an electric cable could be buried.
  • Construction site excavation.
  • Jackhammers.
  • Well drilling.
  • Landscaping.
  • Trenching for pipes.

Look inside!

Perform an electrical hazard analysis to review what types of hazards develop in a plant. Look for oil and grease or debris that dissolve or damage insulated cables. Watch out for loose wires that cause electrical shorts and unguarded temporary lights that are exposed to energized parts. Use the guidelines in NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584 to identify and assess electrical shock and risks throughout your facility.

Arc Flash and Solar Panel – Other Electrical Hazards

An arc flash occurs when an electrical short-circuit produces a high-energy, high-temperature explosion. These occurrences are known to propel molten metal and other dangerous debris through the air. Explosions of this nature can damage a person’s eyesight, hearing and cause severe burning or death. For more information about extremely hazardous electrical Arc Flash dangers, visit www.arcflash.me.

Whether the electrical hazard is found indoors, outdoors, far above our heads or buried deep beneath the ground, these hazards need prominent visibility to ensure safe conditions for those who work with or near power lines, tools and construction vehicles. To warn other employees in the facility of the potential hazard, remember to place signs in the area of live repairs being performed. Compliance with sign and label regulations is an important step in the right direction. Protect your workforce by marking electrical hazards clearly.

Thank you, Jack, for this article emphasizing the importance of playing it safe around electricity.  As he advises, look up, down, and all around to be sure you are not digging or working near electrical hazards!  Texas America Safety, www.tasco-safety.com, has special safety glasses that feature a special dielectric hinge design with no metal parts.  Also, there are special hardhats that are built for use by utility companies and other industries where head protection with dielectric protection is necessary.  Many specialized personal protective products that do not conduct electricity can be found on our site.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

SOME “SHOCKING” FACTS ABOUT OSHA VIOLATIONS

We all understand that working with electricity can be dangerous, and only persons that have been trained in this field should attempt tasks that deal with it.  Engineers, electricians, and other professionals work with electricity directly, including overhead lines, cable harnesses, and circuit assemblies.  Others, such as office workers and sales people, work indirectly with electricity and may also be exposed to electrical hazards.  Therefore, it is surprising that there were so many violations and citations leveled against companies that ignored electrical standards, risking injury or even death to their employees. 

Because electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, OSHA’s electrical standards are designed to protect those employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions.  Two of the Top Ten Most Frequently Cited OSHA Standards violations for 2010 were #7 – Electric, Wiring Methods (CFR 1910.305), and #9 – Electric, General (CFR 1910.303).  On the Top Ten Highest Penalties assessed by OSHA for 2010, was another standard, Electric, General Requirements (CFR 1926.403), which was listed as #2 on that list. 

Electrical wiring in general refers to insulated conductors used to carry electricity, and associated devices.  This is in reference to providing power in buildings and structures.  Wiring safety codes are intended to protect people and buildings from electrical shock and fire hazards.  Regulations may be established by city, county, provincial/state or national legislation, sometimes by adopting in amended form a model code produced by a technical standards-setting organization (OSHA), or by a national standard electrical code. 

Companies should do their utmost to be in compliance with federal safety regulations.  There should be a safety program with defined responsibilities and training for workers.  Equipment should be marked with electrical safety labels.  Workers should realize what happens when there is an arc flash.  This is a short circuit through the air that can happen when conductors can’t support the voltage.  An arc flash can be as hot as 5,000 degrees Farenheit, and creates a brilliant flash of light and loud noise.  As radiant energy explodes out of the electrical equipment, hot gases and melted metal can endanger human life.  This is why there are four separate industry standards or electrical safety requirements in place to protect workers against arc flashes and electrical accidents. 

When working around electricity, the biggest hazard is always electric shock.  Although disconnecting the equipment from power sources and using non-conductive tools is important, there is still one last defense against shock: protective clothing.  Listed below are types of personal protective equipment (PPE),that should be worn:

  • Long, flame-resistant pants;
  • Safety goggles with side shields, or wraparound goggles;
  • Long sleeve, flame resistant shirt (synthetic materials can be flammable or melt into skin), or;
  • Hardhat with flame-resistant liner;
  • Hair fasteners (for those with long hair);
  • Leather work boots;
  • Leather work gloves. 

Everyone should treat electricity with respect, at home or work.  It’s important to follow manufacturers’ instructions (read them thoroughly),  read labels, and never overload circuits.  For those in the workplace, check and double-check safety regulations.