Electricity is powerful. You rely on it to power your business. It’s power worth respecting.
Electrical shock kills and injures thousands of people each year. While dry skin provides a natural barrier to electrical currents, wet skin – even from perspiration – reduces resistance to zero. Taking proactive steps to prevent electrical shocks in and around your work site is essential. Don’t allow electricity to become your enemy.
Helping
Knowing how to help an electrical shock victim is crucial to electrical safety. Learn these steps:
- Stop the current flowing from the circuit through the victim’sbody.
- If the victim is still in contact with the current, disconnect or de-energize the circuit.
- If the circuit cannot be stopped, use a nonconductive item (like dry clothing, dry rope, or a dry stick) to remove the victim from the current source.
- Call 911.
- Check to see if the victim’s heart or breathing has stopped.
- Provide first aid until help arrives.
Prevention Checklist
- Is a Class C fire extinguisher available to put out electrical fires? Never use water to put out an electrical fire. Water can cause a fatal shock. Instead, shut off the power source immediately.
- Are there electrical hazards in and around your work site?
- Are circuits overloaded?
- Is all electrical equipment kept away from water or dampness?
- Do you check electrical cords before, during and after each use for signs of wear or defects?
- Are all switches tagged out and locked before you work on equipment?
- Are rubber gloves, boots, and rubbers worn when electrical equipment is worked on at your work site? Staying dry is vital to preventing electrical shock.
Thought Provokers
- When and where is an electrical shock most likely to occur at your work site?
- Can our employees quickly stop an electrical current?
- Are there any specific points or problems you wish to discuss?
For more information
Find more safety and loss control materials including safety talks, loss control bulletins, and OSHA information on Grinnell Mutual’sPreventing Losses page.
This bulletin has been prepared as an underwriting reference for members of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company and does not signify approval or disapproval by the Company of any product or device. Please do not copy or reproduce any portion of this bulletin without the written permission of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company.
Here is a printable PDF of the Electrical Shock Checklist.
