Electrocution
An Example of Work Place Hazards
Electrocution in the Workplace
Electrical current exposes workers to a serious, widespread occupational hazard; practically all members of the workforce are exposed to electrical energy during the performance of their daily duties, and electrocutions occur to workers in various job categories. Many workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution. Youth are exposed to a large variety of different workplaces but electrocution can easily happen in any workplace environment since most jobs have outlets. This is a serious workplace hazard and can happen without notice in many situations.
An Example of Electrocution in a workplace
As you can see electrocution is occurring in this situation since the worker was careless enough to be operating with an electrical circuit without proper equipment and safety.
Example of an unsafe Environment with the risk of electrocution
A situation where a worker is cleaning the area close to the electrical circuit. Without taking in precautions she is in risk of electrocuting herself.
Dealing with Hazards
See
Look around your workplace to identify any sources of potential electrocution. Examples include outlets, electrical circuits, extension cords, and power lines. Loose wires and other open electrical lines are the most dangerous. Proper Clearance distance must be kept. Once identified one must understand that the degree of electrocution is dependant on the body's resistance level. Higher Body Resistance equals less damage. The one thing that can lower your body's resistance is water. Touching electrical devices with wet hands, wet feet, or especially in a sweaty condition is dangerous. One must make sure they are dry, wearing protective gear, and stay clear from sources of electricity unless necessary.
Think
One must realize the conquences of getting electrocuted to understand why one must avoid getting electrocuted. Electrocution varies in terms of damage. Sometimes it can be unnoticeable but other times one can get severe burns. Death is easily possible with strong electrical charges in a workplace. Electricity can enter the body and travel through it and can damage a multitude of different places. They usually leave entry and exit marks in the bodies and these are usually a stark red. In addition to this broken bones, spinal injury, internal injuries with shortness of breath, and cardiac arrests are possible. All these potential injuries should make you realize the importance of keeping yourself safe and avoiding hazards that can cause this. Being Scared of Electricity will keep you safe.
Do
There are numerous steps one can take to avoid Electrocution. Inspect all sources of electricity such as plugs and cords. Make sure they are all in working and good condition. Keep sources of electricity from fluids, and from heat. Risk of Electrical Shock are greater in wet areas so keep areas as dry as possible. Cords should not be in areas where they are likely to be stepped on and worn down. Similarly one must check any electrical devices to make sure they are in good condition and are connected safetly to a power source. Always keep electrical panels closed. Don't wear metal things in the work place as they can act as a conductor of electricity. If one does get electrocuted one must seek immediate medical help. If a co-worker has been electrocuted you must be careful to indentify the source of the electrocution so you yourself are safe. The Best thing to do is to shut the power down. You must know where the electric breaker is in your workplace. Avoid working alone in an area with lots of potential electric hazards.