Injury or Death From Electricity
 

Every year thousands of victims are killed or seriously injured because of faulty or defective electrical wiring, inadequate safety or defective products.

In 2008, almost 200 U.S. workers were killed on the job due to contact with electric current.

Low voltage does not mean low hazard! Currents greater than 75 mA (1 milliampere = 1/1000 of an ampere) can cause ventricular fibrillation (rapid, ineffective heartbeat) and will cause death in a few minutes unless a defibrillator is used. 75 mA is not much current - a small power drill uses 30 times as much!

Top Ten Safety Tips for Working with Electricity:

• 1. Never remove the 3rd grounding prong from an electrical cord or extension cord
• 2. Use electrical testing and detection equipment at all times
• 3. Do not use metal ladders, but use wood or fiberglass ladders instead
• 4. Remove all metal jewelry, rings, and watches before working
• 5. Use insulated tools and double insulated power tools
• 6. Have an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan to get out of harms way in the event of an emergency
• 7. Identify potential electrical hazards and appropriate safety interventions during the planning phase of construction or maintenance projects
• 8. Maintain adequate first aid supplies (including a defibrillator) to ensure their immediate availability
• 9. Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including head, face, ear, hand, and foot protection. 29 CFR 1910
• 10. De-energize electrical equipment by following proper lockout/tagout procedures before inspecting or making repairs. Title 29 CFR 1926

Read how we helped a client win a electrocution case.