8 Electrical Safety Tips

As we celebrate our 100th year in business in 2015, we embark on another century of commitment to our policyholders. Our mission is to protect the livelihoods of our policyholders, and, as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In keeping with that theme, we’ll celebrate our 100th year in business with 100 important tips to help identify, evaluate and prevent dangers that could result in financial loss or injury in a year-long “Safe with Society” blog series.

Working with electricity can be dangerous. Engineers, electricians, maintenance personnel, and others work with electricity directly, including minor electrical repairs to work on cable harnesses and circuit assemblies. Office workers, retail, hospitality, contractor, restaurant, and other employees work with electricity indirectly and may also be exposed to electrical hazards.

Normal wear on extension cords can loosen or expose wires. Cords that are not 3-wire type, are not designed for hard usage, or that have been modified increase your risk of contacting electric current and receiving an electric shock.

Follow these tips when using devices powered by electricity:

  1. Do not modify electrical cords or use them incorrectly.
  2. Use factory-assembled, UL-Listed cord sets and only 3-wire extension cords.
  3. Use extension cords only for light-duty, temporary use (two weeks maximum). Plan to hard-wire items that will be powered on a long-term basis.
  4. Remove cords from receptacles by pulling on the plugs, not the cords.
  5. Visually inspect all electrical cords before use.
  6. Remove from service any cords that are frayed, cut, missing ground prongs, or have exposed wiring.
  7. Do not run extension cords from one floor level to the next or through doorways where doors can be closed onto cords.
  8. Use only GFCI outlets in wet areas, near sinks or tubs, or where there is a potential for liquids and electric devices to be used.

Click here for a helpful handout on electrical safety to share with your employees.

Our risk control team is available to help facilitate your safety and health efforts. Learn more about this collaborative and consultative partnership, as well as the exclusive safety resources developed to keep your workplace safe and profitable.

 

Author

As a mutual insurance company, we operate and exist for the benefit of our policyholders. For more than 100 years, Society has been helping businesses overcome the unexpected with comprehensive coverage packages and outstanding claims handling, underwriting and risk management.

Latest Articles

The Benefits of Active Listening in the Workplace

When people on a team struggle to listen to each other, they can become disconnected.  Active...

Can You Use FMLA for Mental Health?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) guarantees qualified workers the right to unpaid leave for...

Why Remote Teams Need Inclusive Workplace Practices

For most businesses, remote work is now a way of life in some capacity. Advances in technology and...

How to Motivate Employees as a Manager During Uncertain Times

As a manager in the restaurant industry, it can be challenging to motivate your employees during...

3 Reasons Why Authenticity in the Workplace Matters

Regardless of industry, a business is only as strong as its employees. Even the best products,...

Top Advice For Graduates Trying to Start a Career

As of 2020, there is an average of over 4 million students who have graduated from colleges in the...

7 TIPS TO HELP PREVENT PIPE BURSTING THIS WINTER

Originally published January 29, 2019, updated January 18, 2023. Many parts of the country are no...

A Guide to Safe Keg Handling

At one time or another, almost everyone who works in the restaurant and bar industry has been...

2022 Year in Review

Society Insurance is committed to providing blog posts to help business owners optimize daily...

Stay up to date with industry updates by subscribing to the Society Insurance blog!