Hazards and Solutions

In electrical work, hazards exist in many forms. Ergonomic hazards include musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by repetitive motions, contact stress from poorly designed tools, and poor lifting and handling practices. Slip and fall hazards are frequently present due to the high places and rough ground that electricians must navigate. Motor vehicles are also a source of hazards, and electrocution hazards are present in many phases of the electrical process.

Ergonomics

Ergonomic injuries have been identified as the number one cause of worker injury, responsible for more worker's compensation claims than any other hazard, according to data provided by the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC).

• Ergonomics: Solutions for Electrical Contractors. OSHA eTool.
• Ergonomics. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.
• Cumulative Trauma Disorders in the Workplace. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Publication Number 95-119 (September 1995). Provides a bibliography of NIOSH research and policy on cumulative trauma disorders.

Falls

Slips, trips, and falls together account for a large portion of on-the-job accidents that electrical workers experience. These links discuss methods of eliminating such mishaps, from correct personal fall arrest systems to proper ladder usage.

• Construction. OSHA eTool.
  • Falls
• Fall Protection Safety Tips for Employers and Employees. OSHA and the Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. Alliance. Describes general safety tips to help prevent fall-related injuries.
• For additional information, see OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages on:
  • Fall Protection
  • Scaffolding

Motor Vehicles

Motor vehicle accidents, and rear-end collisions in particular, make up a significant portion of all accidents experienced by electrical workers.

• Motor Vehicle Safety. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.

Electrocution

Electrocution is a significant hazard in the electrical industry. Below are links to resources with solutions for electrocution hazards.

• Construction. OSHA eTool.
  • Electrical Incidents
• Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout). OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.
• Lockout-Tagout Interactive Training Program. OSHA eTool. Provides requirements and suggestions for proper lockout/tagout methods.
• Electrical Safety. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety and Health Topic. Links to several useful NIOSH alerts and reports, and an electrical safety training manual.
• Electrical. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.