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Electrical Contractors Industry |
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| Hazards and Solutions |
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In electrical work, hazards exist in many forms. Ergonomic hazards include
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by repetitive motions, contact stress from poorly designed
tools, and poor lifting and handling practices. Slip and fall hazards are frequently present due
to the high places and rough ground that electricians must navigate. Motor vehicles are also a
source of hazards, and electrocution hazards are present in many phases of the electrical process.
Ergonomics
 Ergonomic
injuries have been identified as the number one cause of worker injury, responsible for more
worker's compensation claims than any other hazard, according to data provided by the Independent
Electrical Contractors (IEC).
Falls
Slips, trips, and falls together account for a large portion of on-the-job accidents that
electrical workers experience. These links discuss methods of eliminating such mishaps, from
correct personal fall arrest systems to proper ladder usage.
- Construction. OSHA
eTool.
- Fall Protection in Construction.
OSHA Publication 3146, (1998). Also available as a 177 KB
PDF, 43 pages. Outlines OSHA's requirements for fall protection in the construction industry.
- Fall Protection Safety Tips for Employers and Employees.
Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc., OSHA Alliance, 26 KB
PDF, 2 pages. Describes general safety tips to help prevent fall-related injuries.
- Fall Protection - It's a Snap! OSHA, (2003, February
3). Provides an employer information kit which includes many useful resources and links.
- Fall
Protection Related Links. International Society for Fall Protection.
- For additional information, see OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages on:
Motor Vehicles
Motor vehicle accidents, and rear-end collisions in particular, make up a significant portion of all accidents experienced by electrical workers.
Electrocution
Electrocution is a significant hazard in the electrical industry. Below are links to resources
with solutions for electrocution hazards.
- Construction. OSHA
eTool.
- Control of Hazardous Energy
(Lockout/Tagout). OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.
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Lockout-Tagout Interactive Training Program. OSHA
eTool. Provides requirements and suggestions for proper lockout/tagout methods.
- Accident
Summary No. 17. OSHA Fatal Facts Accident Report. Provides information on an investigation of an
electrical fatality involving a crane boom making contact with a live power line. Includes recommendations
for preventing future accidents.
- Accident
Summary No. 60. OSHA Fatal Facts Accident Report. Provides information on an OSHA investigation of an
electrical fatality involving a worker who was shocked while on a ladder. Includes recommendations for preventing
future accidents.
- Electrical
Safety. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) Safety and Health Topic. Links to several useful NIOSH alerts and reports,
and an electrical safety training manual.
- Electrical.
OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.
Electrical Fire
Below are resources with solutions for electrical fire hazards.
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