Training your employees to work safely with electricity is one of the most important things that they should be taught in the workplace and should be accomplished on the very first day that they report to work. Electricity is very dangerous, and can cause accidents without warning. A single spark can create a fire at an extremely fast rate. As such, it’s not only those that work in construction zones and industrial plants that need to be taught the company’s safety rules and regulations. Most companies and offices make use of electrical devices on a daily basis, but not many realize the dangers involved in using these devices, which is why it is important to make them undergo training so that they will know what the safety procedures are.
The United States Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have set up guidelines for training your employees to work safely with electricity, and these regulations can be used by just about any office in the world to make sure of the safety of their working environment.
Installation safety. The provisions of OSHA regarding installation safety stipulates that only those who are qualified can perform certain installation tasks. As such, not everyone in the workplace can do certain activities, only those who have received proper training in order to recognize how to install these devices and what needs to be used in order to make sure that the equipment is safe. Some employees may need to get certification in order to use these machinery. At the same time, it also says that all electrical equipment will need to be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner.
Work practices. Part of training your employees to work safely with electricity should include ways on how to make the workplace as free as possible from electrical hazards. For example, they should be taught the proper way of handling equipment, to avoid plugging too many devices in an outlet or extension cord, and to unplug objects that are not in use.
Safety-related maintenance requirements and equipment. Employees should be provided with the safety equipment necessary to protect them from electrical shock. Circuit breakers should be locked when not in use, and a person in the office should be the one designated to hold the keys.
As the employer, you also have to do your part to make sure that the workplace is safe for everyone. Aside from training your employees to work safely with electricity, make sure that the equipment they use is regularly checked and for the necessary repairs and service made so as to prevent accidents. Maintenance personnel may need to be hired so that they will be able to attend immediately to any electrical problems. Also, see to it that warning signs are placed in the appropriate surroundings or equipment so that workers can identify what the proper protocol is in handling these.
Training your employees to work safely with electricity will make sure that the workplace is a safe environment for everyone. Make sure that they are aware of their responsibilities in order to prevent accidents from happening.