Washington — As part of its ongoing effort to bolster electrical safety in the construction industry, OSHA has launched the Electrical Roll Up Initiative.
The initiative is aimed at promoting basic electrical safety awareness throughout the industry.
“Electrical hazards affect more than just electricians,” OSHA says in an electrical safety toolbox talk. “In fact, 74% of workplace electrical fatalities occur in nonelectrical occupations. Many employees may not be trained to perform electrical work and may not recognize electrical hazards.
“Electrical work should only be assigned to qualified employees, as they are trained to work on or near energized parts. They have the knowledge, skills and training to perform electrical work. A competent person is someone who can identify hazards and has the authority to correct them.”
The toolbox talk also notes that construction laborers; roofers; heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanics; and construction/maintenance painters are among the 10 occupations that account for the most electrical-related workplace fatalities.
Among the agency’s other resources is a fact sheet featuring safety measures using the Hierarchy of Controls and workplace best practices.
OSHA also has five tips for using extension cords and a PowerPoint presentation that provides an overview of the initiative.
“Users can customize these materials and use them for their training,” the agency says.
