1
Electrical Hazard
Group Member:
Akingbade Olufunke ( )
Kit Lun Matthew Tam ( )
Kit Yee Lau (301331720)
Wen Jun Zhao ( )
Centennial College
GNED 126: Section 603
Professor Gal Messinger
October 13, 2023
2
Electrical Hazard
Question 4:
What are the most common types of injuries associated with electrical hazards in the workplace?
Electrical injuries at the workplace can occur in many ways. The four most common electrical injuries are
life-threatening electrocution, electric shock, burns, and falls brought on by electrical energy (Electrical
Safety | NIOSH | CDC, n.d.-b).
Electrocution First and foremost, electrocution occurs when a person is subjected to a fatal amount of
electrical energy. It is frequent on building sites. Construction workers, for example, work on metal
ladders or lifts near electricity lines. Workers working on them run the risk of being electrocuted if they
come into contact with overhead electrical lines.
Electric shock Secondly, electric shock is not the same as electrocution; it is not fatal. Contact with live
electricity can result in an electric current coursing through the body, resulting in an electrical shock.
They may not cause death, but they may cause serious or irreversible injuries. Overloads on circuits and
outlets, as well as moist environments, are the most common causes of electric shocks in the workplace.
Burns The most common type of electrical injury is electrical burns. They are caused by the heat
produced by the flow of electric current through the body. Their severity often varies with the type of
electricity. When compared to high voltage exposure, low voltage exposure often results in less burning
and injury. Electrical burns in the workplace are often attributed to handling broken wires or cables,
improper or lacking shielding, damaged equipment, and faulty products.
Falls Finally, falls frequently result in electrical injuries. Electrical shocks can cause muscular contractions,
which can lead to a worker falling. A fall might also happen in the event of an electrical explosion. They
may also result in using ladders or platforms improperly, slipping on wet surfaces, coming into contact
with live wires, or other similar scenarios.
Question 5:
3
What are the most effective ways to train employees to work safely with electricity?
Electrical safety training is critical for avoiding workplace electrical injuries and adhering to electrical
safety regulations and standards like the Ontario Electricity Safety Code (OESC) and the Occupational
Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Employee education on how to recognize, avoid, and handle electrical
risks in the workplace is the major objective of the training. In fact, electrical safety training is required
for all employees who work with or around electrical equipment and systems. The following are some
effective methods for training employees to work safely with electricity:
Introducing employees to basic electrical safety principles Employees should be given a basic
understanding of electrical safety concepts, including the nature of electricity, the consequences of
electric shock, the different kinds and sources of electrical risks, and general safety guidelines and
precautions for working with electricity. Employees may benefit from this in helping them comprehend
the dangers, effects, and prevention methods for electrical incidents.
Recognizing electrical hazards Knowing how to spot electrical dangers such as exposed wires, poor
grounding, overloaded circuits, broken equipment, moist or humid situations, and contact with power
lines. Employees may be better able to recognize and report potential problems if they take action
before any harm or damage is done.
Proper use of electrical safety equipment Electrical injuries at work can be prevented with proper
protection. Training on how to properly use safety protection equipment is essential because workers
may not be familiar with using professional electrical protection devices or equipment like ground-fault
circuit interrupters (GFCIs), insulated tools, voltage detectors, or personal protective equipment (PPE). By
doing this, workers can better safeguard themselves from electrical shocks, burns, and explosions.
Knowing emergency procedures Employees who are better familiar with emergency procedures will be
more composed and adept at handling electrical emergencies. It is advantageous to provide employees
with emergency procedure instructions, such as how to handle an electrical event, how to supply first
4
aid to electrical injuries, how to use fire extinguishers, and how to leave safely. Employees may be better
equipped to react immediately and efficiently to minimize the damage and save lives as a result.
To summarize, electrical safety training is an essential part of maintaining a safe and productive
workplace. Employers can lower the risk of electrical accidents and injuries, enhance a safe working
environment for employees, and adhere to electrical safety regulations and requirements by providing
employees with the knowledge and skills required to work safely with electricity.
Reference
5
Electrical Safety | NIOSH | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/electrical/default.html
Government of Canada, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2023, September 21).
CCOHS: Health and Safety Report - Past issues.
https://www.ccohs.ca/newsletters/hsreport/issues/2018/10/ezine.html