Electricity represents a huge danger to virtually every workplace, and those who are employed there. When someone is shocked due to an electrical problem it can range from a mild injury to a fatal accident, and everything in between. Learning how shocks occur, and how to prevent them, is a key component of any workplace safety program.How do Electrical Shocks Occur?An electrical shock will occur whenever the human body comes into contact with a source of voltage. Even if there isn’t direct contact with the source of the electricity, a shock can occur if the electrical current travels through the air and into contact your hair or skin. The severity of the shock will depend on the voltage of the current that is present. High voltage shocks can cause burns, muscle twitching, cardiac problems, and death.Preventing Electrical ShocksAs the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Taking the following steps in your facility can help to dramatically reduce the risk of a shock from occurring, which will help to keep your employees safe and your facility protected.Proper Electrical Installation – The most important way to prevent electrical shocks is to ensure all electrical equipment is installed properly. A licensed electrician should perform this type of work so that there aren’t any unexpected hazards that could result in an injury.Using Personal Protection Equipment – Personal protection equipment can do a lot to help protect employees from electrical shock. This type of equipment can range from insulated gloves to full body suits that can help to stop shocks from occurring.Electrical Safety Program – Having a formal program for ensuring electrical safety is very important. For example, a program should restrict the use of extension cords because they can be very susceptible for shocks. In addition, using a lockout-tag out program will help to keep maintenance workers safe.The important thing is to make sure everyone is well-aware of the hazards that electricity can cause. Many people think of electrical shocks as a minor inconvenience, but when dealing with high voltage equipment, these shocks can be deadly. Similar Questions How do electrical fires start and how can they be prevented?What is common PPE used for electrical safety?What are electrical safety risks in a lab?What Levels of Voltage are Lethal?What are supplies I should have on hand to prevent or respond to electrical hazards?What are the basics of electrical safety?How can visual communication improve electrical safety?How often should electrical safety training be offered?What is an example of an electrical safety checklist?Additional Resources Arc Flash and Electrical Safety10 Essential Steps for Electrical SafetyLockout/Tagout Program (How To Control Hazardous Energy)Arc Flash PPEArc Flash [Facts, Safety Requirements & PPE]

How does electrical shock occur and how can it be prevented?

Electrical Safety

Electricity represents a huge danger to virtually every workplace, and those who are employed there. When someone is shocked due to an electrical problem it can range from a mild injury to a fatal accident, and everything in between. Learning how shocks occur, and how to prevent them, is a key component of any workplace safety program.

How do Electrical Shocks Occur?

An electrical shock will occur whenever the human body comes into contact with a source of voltage. Even if there isn’t direct contact with the source of the electricity, a shock can occur if the electrical current travels through the air and into contact your hair or skin. The severity of the shock will depend on the voltage of the current that is present. High voltage shocks can cause burns, muscle twitching, cardiac problems, and death.

Preventing Electrical Shocks

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Taking the following steps in your facility can help to dramatically reduce the risk of a shock from occurring, which will help to keep your employees safe and your facility protected.

Proper Electrical Installation – The most important way to prevent electrical shocks is to ensure all electrical equipment is installed properly. A licensed electrician should perform this type of work so that there aren’t any unexpected hazards that could result in an injury.
Using Personal Protection Equipment – Personal protection equipment can do a lot to help protect employees from electrical shock. This type of equipment can range from insulated gloves to full body suits that can help to stop shocks from occurring.
Electrical Safety Program – Having a formal program for ensuring electrical safety is very important. For example, a program should restrict the use of extension cords because they can be very susceptible for shocks. In addition, using a lockout-tag out program will help to keep maintenance workers safe.

The important thing is to make sure everyone is well-aware of the hazards that electricity can cause. Many people think of electrical shocks as a minor inconvenience, but when dealing with high voltage equipment, these shocks can be deadly.