10 Important electrical safety tips at work

Creating a safety-first culture in the workplace is essential, especially when it comes to handling electrical equipment. No matter what industry your team is in, every member must learn the basics of electrical safety.

In this article, we’ll discuss why electrical safety matters and share essential tips to help reduce injuries and keep the workplace safe for your employees.

Why is electrical safety important?

Electrical safety in the workplace is important to protect your employees and keep the business running smoothly. By raising awareness of the different hazards they’re exposed to, you can give your team the confidence to perform their jobs properly. 

Additionally, electrical safety standards exist to keep companies compliant with federal laws. Following these guidelines is critical to enhancing public safety and will save your business from legal consequences. Should unexpected emergencies arise, you can be at ease knowing that your team is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle the situation calmly.

Promote accountability and compliance with these top 10 electrical safety tips to share with your employees today.

1. Unplug equipment properly

We’re starting with an easy tip anyone can follow—unplugging equipment properly. As simple as it may seem, many overlook this by yanking the cord from the outlet instead. This shortcut is dangerous as it could physically damage the wire and its internal components.

Broken or loose wiring poses several hazards, like fire, electric shock, and power surges. These not only threaten your employees’ safety but also produce costly expenses for your business. To prevent this, advise your team to be gentle when pulling equipment plugs after every use.

Avoid accidental fires at work by sharing these top electrical safety tips. Join SC Training today. 

2. Keep electrical appliances away from the water

The next tip highlights the dangers of mixing water and electricity. Carefully remind your team that since water is a good conductor of electricity, this creates a path for the electrical current to flow. This is especially dangerous when there is human contact, as it can lead to severe shock or burns.

Additionally, wet appliances produce short circuits, which may further damage your equipment. It’s recommended to store your appliances at least five feet away from water sources to avoid accidents.

3. Avoid substituting extension cords for permanent wiring

The convenience and flexibility extension cords offer can be tempting to take advantage of. However, this is a bad idea as it can lead to fire hazards and code violations. The National Fire Protection Association reports that lighting equipment and electrical distribution were the leading causes of fire in construction projects.

This is why the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)’s electrical safety rules for the general industry emphasize that flexible cords and other cables shouldn’t be used as substitutes for permanent wiring in structures.

4. Switch off power tools before plugging them into a power supply

Power tools are not toys. It’s important to remind your team that before using these devices, they must switch the tools off before plugging them in. This practice also applies when making adjustments, like loading fasteners or replacing the bits and blades.

As these devices assist in cutting and puncturing through wood, fiberglass, or steel, one careless mistake could lead to electrocution or even death. Through electrical safety training, you can raise awareness about the dangers of poor handling.

SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s power tools course explores the basics of safe handling, inspection tips, and common injuries associated with this equipment. Learning about electrical safety topics like this will protect your workers from common hazards, such as flying objects, slips, and falls.

Recommended courses:

• Handling Power Tools by SC Training
• Eye and Face Protection (US) by SC Training
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Manufacturing by SC Training

5. Observe flickering lights

Next on our list of electrical safety tips for work is to observe flickering lights. These faulty bulbs shouldn’t be ignored as they may signify hidden electrical issues like loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or voltage fluctuations. Left unaddressed, these bulbs could spark accidental fires or cause electric shock.

A flickering light may indicate a loose bulb in need of tightening. In this case, tell your team to turn off the light first and let it cool. Double-check whether it’s firmly screwed into the socket. But if this doesn’t solve the problem, consider replacing it with another bulb or informing the office manager.

6. Report defective electrical cords

Electrical cords are indispensable as they give your team convenience and mobility. However, repeated usage results in wear and tear. Frequent plugging and unplugging can weaken its internal wires or cause them to be exposed.

Sliced or frayed wires compromise the insulation, leading to potential fires or electric shock. Take a proactive stance by advising your team to report defective electrical cords immediately. Fortunately, these pieces of equipment generally don’t cost much, so they can easily be replaced.

7. Organize electrical cords

Cluttered spaces are an eyesore. They not only affect your team’s productivity but pose serious electrical hazards as well. Whether your crew works with laptops or machines, cable management is essential to any work environment.

Organizing your electrical cords prevents foot traffic injuries and fire hazards. It also allows wider accessibility, as your workers will know where each tool or appliance is located. By following electrical safety tips for keeping a tidy workspace, your team can better focus on completing their tasks for the day.

8. Put up electrical safety signs

Safety signs are essential to any workplace. They alert employees of potential electrical hazards in the area and list the basic steps to reduce harm. If your team is exposed to hazardous electricity, it’s your responsibility to put up the relevant signs to avoid unwanted accidents.

Make sure your electrical safety signs are visible to everyone passing the entry point or hazardous area. Ideally, they should be kept at eye level, so it’s easy to spot in advance. Typically, these signs should be placed near live circuits, high-voltage equipment, and places where electrical maintenance is performed.

9. Follow lockout tagout procedures if applicable

When performing any machine repair or maintenance, your employees must strictly observe lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures. The sudden release of hazardous energy poses several risks if not controlled properly. With proper OSHA electrical safety training, your workers can avoid sustaining burns, electrocution, or even lacerations and amputations.

To raise awareness about these hazards, consider enrolling your team in LOTO training courses. Its lessons discuss the proper application and removal of these devices, plus the various methods for energy isolation and control.

Recommended courses:

• Electrical Safety by SC Training
• Control of Hazardous Energy - Lockout/Tagout (US) by SC Training
• Controlling Hazardous Energy: Electricity by SC Training

10. Contact professionals during an emergency

While you shouldn’t think twice about investing in online safety training for employees, note that there’s only so much your team can do during an emergency. When this happens, don’t hesitate to call for professional help!

Handling live electrical wires or hazardous equipment is extremely dangerous, so it’s best to leave these in the hands of qualified personnel. If your team encounters this, inform them to notify safety professionals immediately to isolate the situation and prevent further damage to company property.