William Tomlin, our USF SafetyFlorida contributor for July, provides insight on improving safety errors such as the one pictured in this photo. Can you spot what’s wrong with this picture? Keep reading to find out more.

Hazard:                   

An electrical power source at a jobsite was not being used in accordance with the approved manufacturer list.

Violation:                 

1926.403 (b)(1) The employer shall ensure that electrical equipment is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.

Consequences:

Electric shock, burns, and electrocution, from contact with live parts; burns and smoke-related injuries from fire due to electrical overload.

Corrective actions:

Ensure that competent persons perform the required visual inspections for external defects and indications of possible internal damage.

Alternatively, train and require each person who uses a cord set or any equipment connected by a cord or plug to perform the visual inspections daily before use.

Establish procedures to remove, repair and replace defective equipment that will ensure damaged or defective equipment is immediately removed from use and only returned after repair by a qualified electrician.

For more information on electrical safety at jobsites, visit https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha2202.pdf.

William Tomlin
North Regional Supervisor, USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program