June 13, 2017
Plug into Safety
Featured in EHS Today, it states, “Each year, thousands of electrical workers are killed by not following simple procedures such as lockout / tagout and test before you touch,” said ESFI President Brett Brenner. “Our goal is to reduce workplace complacency and make sure electrical safety is at the top of one’s mind while performing all electrical tasks.”
“OSHA estimates there are 187 electrical-related fatalities a year. While electrical hazards are not the leading cause of on-the-job injuries and fatalities, they are disproportionately fatal and costly. For every 13 electrical injuries, one worker dies. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, each workplace death costs the U.S. economy $5 million.” This cost and loss of life is compounded by its impact on the family of the deceased worker.
“According to OSHA, following proper Lockout / Tagout procedures prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year.” The COA EH&S Office encourages staff to learn about how to Lockout / Tagout to avoid unnecessary risk. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has an excellent resource tool, “Lockout / Tagout: Your Life Depends On It” informational poster. In addition, for a more in depth training, the National Fire Protection Association publishes the NFPA 70 E standard to protect employees working on or near electricity.
DO NOT BE A STATISTIC: Know and understand electrical hazards in your assigned area. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the COA EH&S Office at agsafe@ksu.edu.
Links:
Lockout / Tagout: Your Life Depends On It” at http://www.esfi.org/resource/lockout-tagout-your-life-depends-on-it-544.
National Fire Protection NFPA 70 E Standard at http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards?mode=code&code=70E or book loaner copy is available by contacting the COA EH&S Office.