The National Electrical Safety Month is observed in May each year. It’s a good time to reflect on all the ways electricity keeps our daily lives moving along as we expect it will. Because we rely on electricity every day, often without incident, we tend to forget that electricity does pose a real risk in the home and the workplace. In fact, 200 people are killed in the workplace annually as the result of electricity. While electric hazards are not the leading cause of on-the-job injuries, they are disproportionately fatal compared to other types of hazards.
Below are statistics on how this is occurring:
- In 2020, 3% of all electrical incidents were fatal
- 33% of electrical fatalities occurred in workers aged 25 – 34
- Hispanic or Latino workers accounted for 40% of electrical fatalities
- 33% of all electrical fatalities occurred at a private residence
Keys to preventing electrical accidents begins with a basic understanding of electrical safety.
Tips for reducing the risk of an electrical incident include:
- Check extension cords for broken insulation and exposed wires before plugging in
- Only use extension cords for temporary power (generally no more than two consecutive weeks)
- Outlets around water sources, including kitchen, bathroom, and outdoors, must have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
- All outlets and switches must have a cover plate to prevent incidental contact
- Unplug appliances, such as toasters, hotplates, air fryers, when not in use
- Do not use multi-plug adapters
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school, and workplace. The ESFI is the leading authority on workplace electrical safety as well as home electrical safety. You can find information, resources, toolkits, and much more here.
