The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school, and workplace. To commemorate National Electrical Safety Month each May, ESFI spearheads an annual campaign to educate key audiences about the steps that can be taken to reduce the number of electrically related fires, fatalities, injuries, and property loss.

The theme for the National Electrical Safety Month 2023 campaign is “Electrification: E-Mobility.” The materials for this year’s campaign examine how the rapid advancements made to emerging technology — including electric vehicles — require further electrification and safe, efficient devices that can support this increased energy demand.

Contact with or exposure to electricity is one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities. Follow these tips to avoid electrical injury:

Overhead Power Line Contact

• Always assume all lines are live and dangerous
• Always look up; be aware of overhead power lines
• Keep yourself and equipment at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines
• Do not touch anything that is in contact with overhead power lines
• Carry equipment, including ladders, horizontally to avoid contact with power lines
• Stay at least 35 feet away from downed lines

Accidental Contact with Energized Conductors or Parts

• Always test for voltage before you perform work. Be sure to also test the area around the equipment you are working on to avoid accidental contact with energized equipment
• Always perform a site and risk assessment before conducting work. Hazards exist on and near the equipment you are working on
• When possible, turn off power before conducting work
• Follow proper lockout / tagout procedures
• Avoid complacency. Every job is different, make sure you follow the hierarchy of controls and other electrical safety work practices on every job

Electrical Safety in the Workplace

• Know when to say when. If you feel unsafe performing a job, say something
• Be aware of potential electrical hazards in the workplace. Avoid electrical rooms and other potentially hazardous areas
• All electrical work should be completed by qualified workers with proper training
• GFCI protection should be installed where electricity and water may come in contact

To learn more about National Electrical Safety Month and this year’s theme, visit: https://www.esfi.org/.../national-electrical-safety-month/

Credit: ESFI

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