Training can help you ensure that your workers don’t become a part of these shocking statistics: According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics compiled by the Electrical Safety Foundation International, from 2003 to 2010, more than 1,600 people died and more than 20,000 were injured because of work-related electrical accidents.
What are the top three causes of occupational electrical fatalities?
1. Contact with overhead power lines
2. Contact with wiring, transformers, or other electrical components
3. Contact with electric current of machine, tool, appliance, or light fixture
How much electricity is dangerous?
Exposure to just 50 milliamps of electrical current can cause death: That’s about the amount of current that would power a small radio.

What are the four primary types of electrical injuries?
1. Electrocution (death from electric shock)
2. Electric shock
3. Burns
4. Falls (from the impact of an electric shock)
What are the top five occupations with the most fatal electrical injuries?
1. Electricians
2. Construction laborers
3. Electrical power line installers and repairers
4. Tree trimmers and pruners
5. Industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers
This is a great time to give your workers this handy reminder of electric safety best practices.
Electrical Safety Do’s and Don’ts Checklist
DO:
• Check wiring to make sure it’s properly insulated and the right choice for the job (e.g., labeled for use outdoors or in work areas with hazardous substances).
• Check that electrical connections are tight.
• Match plugs and outlets (three-pronged plugs go in three-pronged outlets only).
• Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions for electrical equipment.
• Leave work on energized equipment to qualified workers.
• Obey warnings to stay away from electrical circuits and locked-out equipment.
• Wear rubber gloves and any other assigned protective clothing and equipment.
• Keep machines and tools lubricated.
• Keep the work area clean, and promptly and properly dispose of oily rags, paper, sawdust, or anything else that could burn.
• Use extension cords only when authorized—and of the right capacity.
• Keep electrical equipment clean.
• Inspect electrical tools before each use.
• Report any electrical tool, equipment, or wire problems immediately.
DON’T:
• Overload motors, circuits, or outlets.
• Run cords along the floor.
• Use temporary wiring.
• Put anything but a plug into an electrical outlet.
• Touch anything electric with wet hands.
• Leave machinery or heating equipment running unattended after working hours.
• Let cords get twisted or tangled.
• Get closer than 10 feet to a power line (if you’re an unqualified employee).
• Reach blindly into a space that may contain energized equipment.
• Wear metal jewelry when working with electrical appliances.
• Use a power tool that smokes, sparks, smells, or shocks.
Make sure your employees are grounded in safe practices when working with or around electricity this month—by training and following up with regular reminders like handouts to keep electrical safety a high priority.