An often-overlooked facet of safety in the workplace is electrical safety. Although many people don’t dig around too much in breaker boxes or other high-risk electrical areas, anything can happen so it’s good to be mindful when working around electricity. Electrical injuries accounted for at least 1,900 workplace-related injuries in 2022. In the residential world, as many as 200 people died as a result of electric shock or other electricity-related injuries. In many cases, these were preventable.

Below are some tips on how to keep your employees safe from electrical hazards in the workplace.

Keep electronics, electrical equipment, cords, and other electrical devices away from damp or wet areas.  This may be common sense, but it’s all too easy for someone to spill a drink close to an electrical socket or something of a similar nature.

Be mindful of how you unplug things. Many people yank cords from electrical sockets without thinking, but this is the improper way to disconnect them. Yanking on the cord can increase the risk of damaging the cord, which leads to an increased risk of electric shock.

Don’t DIY,  ESPECIALLY when it comes to installing or repairing electrical lines and outlets. This is best left to professionals who are properly informed and equipped to handle repairs and installations.

Install warning signs in high-risk electrical areas in the office or facility. Make them easy to read, recognize and consider

Pay attention to flickering lights or loose or damaged electric cables. If something seems off or improperly wired, get someone in there to check it out who is qualified to do so.

Understand switchboards and breaker boxes. Know how to cut the power off safely if needed in the event of an emergency and to improve safety for you and your employees.

Regularly inspect electrical devices, wires, cables, and chords to ensure they are free from damage. Do not try to use damaged electrical cords, even if you tape them up with electrical tape to improve their safety. Replace them right away to lower the risk of electrical hazards and injury.

To learn more about electrical hazards and tips to keep you and your employees safe, click here.