Electrical Safety: Construction

Whenever you work with power tools or electrical circuits there is a risk of electrical hazards, especially electrical shock.  Risks are increased at construction sites because many jobs involve electric power tools. 

Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to electric shock, electrocution, burns, fires, and explosions.  In 1999, for example, 278 workers died from electrocutions at work, accounting for almost 5 percent of all on-the-job fatalities that year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  What makes these statistics more tragic is that most of these fatalities could have been easily avoided.

This presentation is designed to assist trainers conducting OSHA 10-hour Construction Industry outreach training for workers.  Since workers are the target audience, this presentation emphasizes hazard identification, avoidance, and control – not standards.  No attempt has been made to treat the topic exhaustively.  It is essential that trainers tailor their presentations to the needs and understanding of their audience.

This presentation is not a substitute for any of the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 or for any standards issued by the U.S. Department of Labor.  Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.

This presentation addresses electrical safety requirements that are necessary for the safety of construction employees and is divided into major divisions as follows:

Overview.  Includes why electricity is dangerous and how it works.

Hazard / Controls.  Covers the main hazards and explains the best ways to prevent these hazards from occurring.  General Planning and Controls.

Please click on the link to view this free workplace safety presentation: Electrical Safety Construction.