Pennsylvania employees who work with electrical equipment may be interested in an article discussing some ways to minimize the danger of this potential workplace hazard. Having a broad safety plan in place and staying vigilant for possible threats can go a long way toward avoiding serious injuries.
Electrical equipment is vitally important in a large number of commercial workplaces. However, this equipment can often be a very dangerous part of the job if proper precautions to protect workers are not taken. Accidents involving electricity are one of the highest causes of on-the-job injuries and fatalities. On average, close to 4,000 workers’ injuries and 300 deaths are caused by electrical equipment annually, and many of these incidents are preventable.
Experts recommend that every workplace has a comprehensive safety plan in place, particularly for electrical equipment. A knowledgeable employee should be tasked with overseeing its development and implementation across the job site. This plan should be in compliance with appropriate standards, whether issued by OSHA or contained in local building codes. Workplace safety also requires constant monitoring for potentially dangerous conditions, such as damage to equipment, unblocked live wiring and obsolete facilities. Above all, employees should receive the proper training in the use of such equipment in order to minimize operator error and avoid workplace injury.
If an injury occurs while a worker is on the job, the employee may be entitled to compensation. Whether a back or spine injury from a fall or harm caused by electrical equipment, the employee who is hurt could be eligible to file for workers’ compensation. An attorney who has experience in helping injured employees may be able to evaluate the situation and help to file this claim.
Source: Manufacturing.net, “Better On-The-Job Electrical Safety“, Christina Chatfield, April 07, 2014