What do you think about working around electricity on the construction site?
It is one of the highest levels of safety concern that must not be neglected at any cost. Such encounters of workers with electric shocks around the worksites may be serious to fatal. Hence, OSHA puts a red alert on the sites where there is a risk of electricity shocks.
People pay attention to such safety measures once they encounter one. A recently reported incident took the attention of all regarding the electric shock encounter. This incident serves as a reminder of why following safety procedures, receiving the right training, and being aware of them are essential to a project. particularly with used equipment like used motor graders, cranes, and other machinery.
What has happened?
A boom truck was being used to install the utilities on the ground that was attached to an auger. This is common that the auger is fixed and tightly fastened with the auger motor on the ground.
Similarly, the same practice was being followed when one of the anchors started vibrating and a worker went to fix this.
As soon as the boom struck reached 7,200 volts, immediately the anchor got energized and caught the worker who was fixing it.
This was a sudden and extreme electric shock that caused the worker right away.
Immediately he was taken to the nearest hospital but unfortunately, he could not survive.
What errors have been recorded?
A closer examination of the incident showed a number of errors that resulted in the fatal conclusion.
There was no proper training
The employee had no official utility construction experience and was from a work-release program.
He had skipped regular safety briefings, and on-the-job training was insufficient to cover essential safety knowledge. He lacked the necessary training to identify job site dangers and comprehend the dangers of electricity.
The equipment selection was wrong
Rather than using the usual 6-foot anchor, the crew opted for an 8-foot alternative.
The lengthier anchor wobbled and caused clearance problems with electricity lines because it was inserted into the ground at a difficult angle. A safety reevaluation should always follow equipment replacements to prevent unforeseen risks.
No one evaluated the risks before starting the job
Six-foot anchors served as the foundation for the job site survey. The initial safety assessment was rendered invalid when the longer one was employed, but no new assessment was conducted prior to work commencing. When materials or tools are changed, safety precautions should be re-examined.
How to prevent such fatal errors?
The only way to avoid such fatal accidents is to strictly follow the safety protocols set by official regulations like OSHA.
Get the right training
Before entering a workplace, all employees, regardless of employment position, should receive comprehensive and updated safety training for operating heavy equipment machinery.
Remember that ignoring these sessions could be a fatal error. All employees must receive training from their employers on how to identify and steer clear of electrical risks.
Take a detailed survey before you start
Before work starts, always take a site walk. Make sure everyone is aware of the risks by identifying overhead power lines and other potential dangers.
A safety survey is an essential step in preventing accidents while working with used motor graders or any other equipment, not just a box to check.
Always inspect the equipment and keep plan B ready
Take a moment to reevaluate the situation whenever a new tool or substance is added. If new risks appear, stop working there until they are resolved.
You need to understand that when your plan is not working how to act then. This is why you need to keep your plan B always ready and implement it if something goes wrong with plan A.
Never assume that power lines are off
You must not assume that the power lines around the equipment are off even if it is actually off. You must instead keep a safe distance and follow the safety protocols.
Keep your distance and constantly pay attention to the position of your equipment with respect to overhead lines, even if it is disconnected. Zones for electrical safety must be created and kept up at all times.
Inspection is a must
Make sure all employees are aware of the electrical risks. Supervisors should regularly conduct safety briefings where they discuss potential risks and stress the need to follow the right protocols when working close to power lines. furthermore, thorough inspection of hydraulics and components is also important in used motor graders and electric vehicles.
Strictly wear PPEs
An additional degree of protection can be provided by insulated gloves, boots, and electrical work-rated tools. It is always advisable to use personal protective equipment (PPE) when electrical exposure is a possibility.
In the event of an electrical mishap, every job site should have a well-documented emergency action plan.
When someone gets electrocuted, workers need to know how to react, including when to turn off the power and how to give first aid.
Make a safety culture true at your construction job sites
If the proper precautions are taken, electrocution can be avoided. Every employee must prioritize safety every day, remain informed, and use caution.
Employers need to foster a culture of safety where employees are encouraged to voice concerns and cease work if anything appears dangerous.
One irresponsible moment can have long-term effects on the employee as well as their friends, family, and coworkers.
Take the time to complete the task securely so that avoidable errors don’t endanger lives.
