OSHA estimates there are approximately 187 electrical-related fatalities a year. While electrical hazards are not the leading cause of on-the-job injuries and fatalities, they are disproportionately fatal and costly.
For every 13 electrical injuries, one worker dies. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), each workplace death costs the U.S. economy $5 million.
Following the appropriate lockout/tagout procedures prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May to increase public awareness of the electrical hazards around us at home, work, school, and play. This infographic from ESFI highlights proper lockout/tagout procedures.
Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.
