Back to (Safety) School

Construction work is dangerous, especially for workers on electrical projects. Electrical shock is identified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as one of the four major hazards in construction.

However, as OSHA documents, the primary danger associated with electrical work is contact with live power lines. Training is the first step in workplace accident prevention.

"Training pays dividends and is by far the most important factor in prevention of accidents," says Joe O'Connor, vice president of INTEC, a Waverly, Pa.-based safety consulting, training and publishing firm. "Training provides knowledge about hazards and how to avoid them, motivates workers to focus on safety, and, when done on a regular basis, keeps safety top of mind."

Safety is given great emphasis by the organizations that train apprentice electricians and provide continuing education for the trade.

Continuing Education
"Working safely is a practice first instilled in our newest apprentices and is evident through our most veteran journeymen," says Michael I. Callanan, executive director of the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC), in Upper Marlboro, Md. The organization provides training through a partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

For non-union electricians, the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), in Alexandria, Va., places strong emphasis on safety in apprentice and continuing training programs for its members. Electrical training also is available from state vocational training institutions and private organizations.

Safety training never is complete. While most large electrical contractors have well-organized safety programs, a challenge for many small contracting companies is finding the most accessible and cost-effective sources for on-going training.

"Small contractors need to select materials that reduce preparation time and are easily implemented," O'Connor says. "This can be accomplished through computer-based interactive training materials or videos. Another popular and proven method for job-site training has been the use of safety toolbox talks. Inexpensive industry-specific materials can be found through trade associations and their vendors, as well as through OSHA."

Be Proactive
Workers who face a risk of electric shock must be trained in the hazards present from electricity, according to OSHA training requirements. In general, OSHA standards that apply to electrical safety require that employees not work near any part of an electrical power circuit unless protected, says Bob Isiminger, an electrical engineer in the OSHA directorate of standards and guidance, office of engineering safety, in Washington, D.C.

Although it is best to deactivate a circuit before working on or around it, there are situations when this is not possible, and OSHA requires that insulated tools and gloves and eye protection, and arc flash protection be used.

Insulated tools are identified by the International 1,000-Volt rating symbol, which certifies that they have been individually subjected to 10,000 Volts and undergone other tests specified by standards organizations.

Knowing safe work procedures and practicing them daily are two different things. Like driving a car, working safely requires constant attention."Too often, familiarity leads to mistakes," O'Connor says.

"Tools are an integral part of the job duties of electrical workers, but the hazards associated with their use often are taken for granted," Callanan says. "One of the greatest hazards posed by hand and power tools is from misuse and improper maintenance. Frequently hazards arise from using the wrong tool for the job or failing to take proper safety precautions before using the tool."