Take Charge of Training During National Electrical Safety Month

From vacuums and power tools to chargeable cleaning tools like automatic scrubbers, workers in the cleaning and maintenance industry use electrical equipment daily. National Electrical Safety Month, commemorated each year in May, presents the perfect opportunity to remind your employees of best practices when working with electricity.

In 2020, workers suffered 2,220 injuries and 126 died as a direct result from electrical incidents, according to the  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Leading work activities which accounted for the majority (64%) of electrical fatalities were constructing, repairing, and cleaning. The most common industries involved in electrical fatalities included installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (20%) and building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (13%).

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) annual campaign offers information and training materials to help reduce electrically related fatalities, injuries, and property loss.

Review these electrical safety basics with your crew:

• Keep water and other liquids at least five feet away from electrical equipment and sources of electricity.
• Disconnect electrical equipment by gently pulling it by plug instead of jerking the electrical cord.
• Keep electrical cords tidy and don’t overload electrical sockets.
• Understand workplace switchboards, electrical safety devices that protect and isolate equipment operators from electrical current.
• Be aware of power lines before climbing a ladder.
• Investigate flickering lights and have them repaired.
• Use clear, visible signage to warn people about high voltage. 
• Outsource electrical repairs to professionals.