Electrical Safety Month
With the March, Ladder Safety Month now over, our contractors have the entire month of April to plan and prepare for all the electrical safety related events happening this May.
Choices include:
OSHA’s Safety Break for Oregon – This single day event is scheduled for May 13th, and is all about renewing efforts to send workers home safe to their families at the end of the day. Such efforts can reduce workers’ compensation and insurance costs, and increase productivity. When employers participate in Safety Break, they show their commitment to workplace safety and health. They also demonstrate their support for employees and their families, and for the communities in which they do business.
Construction Safety Week – This weeklong event is scheduled for May 4th – 8th, and will focus on recognizing, responding to and respecting STKY hazards. These are high energy hazards, including electricity, that pose a strong likelihood of causing serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs). Application of the Energy Wheel to identify STKY – Stuff That Kills You, and establish risk reduction strategies is the end goal. While traditional recordable injury rates have significantly declined, SIFs have remained relatively unchanged for the last 2 decades.
Electrical Safety Month – Why settle for just a one day, or one week event, when we can take a deeper dive into electrical safety awareness and training all month long? Spearheaded by the Electrical Safety Foundation International,(ESFi) this annual campaign is designed to educate key audiences about the steps that can be taken to reduce the number of electrically related fires, fatalities, injuries, and property loss. Between ESFi, the Training Center and NECA there are many safety resources available to help achieve this. Options include:
Toolbox talks on inspection and use of voltage rated gloves, review of arc flash label content and information necessary to complete Energized Electrical Work Permits
Review use and limitations of non-contact voltage detectors and voltage testing devices
Refresh workers knowledge and understanding of shared neutral hazards
NFPA 70E update and review of your EEW and LOTO Policies
Illustrate relationship of the NFPA’s Cycle of Safety – 70 (NEC) & 70E & 70B
Share information from OSHA’s new Arc Flash Safety Guide
Cover rules applicable to proximity of overhead power lines and underground utility locates
Attend NECA’s Safety Professionals Conference, May 18-20, in Atlanta, GA.
If you would like more information about any these resources or want electrical safety training please contact me.
