Possible Solutions

A variety of possible solutions may be implemented to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury associated with electrical work. Examples of solutions include the use of insulation, guarding, grounding, electrical protective devices, and safe work practices. The following references aid in controlling electrical hazards in the workplace.

• Working Safely Near Overhead Power Lines. OSHA Alert (Publication 3979), (2019). Also available in Spanish.
• Controlling Electrical Hazards. OSHA Publication 3075, (2002). Provides a basic overview of electrical safety on the job, including information on how electricity works, how to protect against electricity, and how OSHA can help.
• Lockout-Tagout Interactive Training Program. OSHA. Provides an interactive decision making tool designed to expand the user's knowledge of lockout/tagout.
• Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout). OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Provides links to information that may involve electrical hazards in the workplace.
• Ergonomic Survival Guide for Electricians (PDF). Cal/OSHA Consultation Service. Also available in Spanish. Promotes awareness of safe work practices for electricians.
• Electrical Safety: Safety and Health for Electrical Trades Student Manual. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2009-113, (March 2009). As part of a safety and health curriculum for secondary and post-secondary electrical trades courses, this manual is designed to engage the learner in recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazards associated with electrical work.
  • Section 8: Safety Model Stage 3-Controlling Hazards: Safe Work Practices. Outlines basic safety planning, avoiding wet working conditions, avoiding overhead powerlines, using proper wiring and connectors, using and maintaining tools properly and wearing correct PPE to control electrical hazards.
• NIOSH Numbered Publications - Alerts. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Presents information about occupational illnesses, injuries, and deaths. Requests assistance in preventing, solving, and controlling newly identified occupational hazards. The following alerts are associated with electrical injuries:
  • Preventing Worker Deaths from Uncontrolled Release of Electrical, Mechanical, and Other Types of Hazardous Energy. Publication No. 99-110, (August 1999).
  • Request for Assistance in... Preventing Deaths and Injuries of Adolescent Workers. Publication No. 95-125, (May 1995). Summarizes available information about work-related injuries among adolescents, identifies work that is especially hazardous, and offers recommendations for prevention.
  • Preventing Falls and Electrocutions During Tree Trimming. Publication No. 92-106, (August 1992). Describes eight incidents involving five electrocutions and three fatal falls of tree trimmers.
  • Preventing Fatalities of Workers Who Contact Electrical Energy. Publication No. 87-103, (December 1986). Explains that prompt emergency medical care can be lifesaving for workers who have contacted either low voltage or high voltage electric energy. Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) followed by advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) has been shown to save lives.
  • Preventing Electrocutions Due to Damaged Receptacles and Connectors. Publication No. 87-100, (October 1986).
  • Preventing Grain Auger Electrocutions. Publication No. 86-119, (July 1986). Explains that moving grain augers in their elevated position may result in electrocution if they contact overhead power lines while being moved.
  • Preventing Electrocutions of Workers in Fast Food Restaurants. Publication No. 85-104, (December 1984). Describes an electrocution death and gives solutions to avoid similar situations.