Keeping Your Employees Safe: Best Practices in Electrical Work

Submitted by Jamie Quenzer, Director of Education

As a contractor or business owner in the electrical industry, the safety of your employees is paramount. Not only does it protect your team from potentially life-threatening injuries, but it also ensures compliance with regulations, reduces downtime, and prevents costly accidents. Creating a safe work environment involves more than just setting up protocols—it means fostering a culture of safety that actively prevents incidents. Here are key safety best practices every contractor should implement to keep their employees safe on the job.

Establish Clear Safety Guidelines

Safety starts with having well-defined, enforceable guidelines. It’s essential to provide your team with a comprehensive safety program that outlines the procedures they must follow on every job. This includes protocols for dealing with electrical hazards, using equipment correctly, and emergency response measures.

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Protocols: These procedures are critical for ensuring that equipment is properly de-energized before any work begins. Every team member should be trained to understand and implement LOTO protocols to avoid accidental energization.
• Daily Safety Briefings: Incorporate daily or pre-task safety briefings to remind employees of the specific hazards they may encounter that day, especially if the site or scope of work changes.
• Tool and Equipment Inspections: Schedule regular inspections of tools and equipment to ensure they are in good working order. Faulty tools or equipment are common causes of accidents and must be addressed immediately.

Ensure Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the most effective ways to protect your workers from electrical hazards. It’s your responsibility to provide the necessary PPE and ensure that your employees know how to use it properly.

• Arc Flash Protection: Provide employees with arc-rated clothing when they work in environments where an arc flash could occur. This includes face shields, gloves, and full-body suits rated for arc flash protection. Conduct periodic training to ensure they know how to wear and maintain these items.
• Insulated Tools: Make sure employees use insulated tools when working on or near live circuits. Ensure all tools are inspected regularly and replaced if they show signs of wear.
• Gloves, Helmets, and Safety Glasses: These are the basics, but ensuring their consistent use is crucial. Ensure that workers understand which type of gloves or helmets to use depending on the task at hand, as well as the importance of wearing safety glasses to prevent injuries from flying debris or electrical sparks.

Invest in Ongoing Training and Education

Electrical safety is not a "set it and forget it" issue. With the electrical code and industry standards evolving, continuous training is essential to keep your employees updated and competent.

• National Electrical Code (NEC) Updates: Regularly educate your team about the latest updates in the NEC. This not only ensures compliance but also reinforces safe work habits.
• Hands-On Training: While much of the training may be done online, don’t overlook the value of hands-on safety drills, including mock scenarios for lockout/tagout procedures or how to handle arc flash incidents. These practical exercises help employees remember what to do in real-life situations.
• Certifications and Renewals: Make sure your team members renew necessary certifications and licenses on time, especially those related to electrical safety. Encourage advanced safety certifications to ensure that your supervisors can lead by example.

Accident Prevention Through Proactive Measures

Accidents are often preventable if proactive measures are taken. As a contractor or owner, it’s important to implement strategies that reduce risks from the start.

• Job Site Audits: Regular safety audits of the worksite help identify potential hazards before they become a problem. Whether it’s checking for trip hazards or ensuring that electrical panels are clearly marked, these small steps go a long way in preventing accidents.
• Supervisory Accountability: Make your supervisors responsible for ensuring safety measures are followed. They should model good safety behavior and encourage employees to speak up if they notice a hazard.
• Documenting Safety Incidents: Even minor safety incidents should be documented and reviewed to understand how to prevent them in the future. Use these reports as teaching tools during safety meetings to reinforce the importance of proactive safety measures.

Fostering a Safety-First Culture

One of the most powerful tools in accident prevention is cultivating a strong safety culture within your organization. When employees understand that safety is your top priority, they are more likely to follow procedures and look out for one another.

• Open Communication: Encourage employees to report unsafe conditions or practices without fear of retaliation. Having an open-door policy can lead to early detection of safety issues.
• Incentives for Safety: Consider rewarding teams for maintaining safe work practices over time. Whether through bonuses or recognition, reinforcing positive behavior can further enhance your safety culture. 

Conclusion

As a contractor or business owner, your responsibility extends beyond simply completing jobs on time—it includes protecting the well-being of your employees. By establishing clear safety guidelines, ensuring proper use of PPE, investing in ongoing training, and fostering a proactive safety culture, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and keep your team safe.

The Electrical Association is here to support you in maintaining the highest safety standards. We offer resources, continuing education courses, and consulting services to ensure that your team is always prepared for the challenges they face on the job. Let’s work together to keep your employees safe and your projects successful.

Classes and Resources:

Electrical Safety Training | Online Classes & Resources | Electrical Association - Safety - Live Online