May is Electrical Safety Month

Electricity helps make our lives easier, but it also poses serious risks. May is National Electrical Safety Month — a time to focus on potential home electrical hazards and how to reduce the risk of injury or death for ourselves and our families.

We believe National Electrical Safety Month is an important opportunity to spread the word about serious risks such as shock and fire-related hazards. We want our neighbors to know the basics of electrical safety to create safer families, homes, and communities. We can each do our part to help one another.

Electrical safety at home

It can be easy to overlook the importance of electrical safety and the risks associated with it while at home. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association and Electrical Safety Foundation International, contact with electricity is a leading cause of injuries and deaths in homes and workplaces.

However, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce risk, such as:

• Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
• Use only one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.
• Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, not into extension cords or surge protectors.
• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets.
• Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician install additional receptacle outlets so that extension cords are no longer necessary.

Electrical safety at work

Electrical safety is just as important in office and general workplace settings as it is in industrial environments. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of 150 workplace electrical fatalities occur each year, with many happening in jobs that are not electrical in nature. This means everyday awareness is essential for all employees.

To help reduce electrical risks in the workplace, keep these tips in mind:

• Watch for frayed or damaged cords, loose plugs, or outlets that do not hold plugs securely.
• Remove from use and report any equipment that overheats, gives off unusual odors, or does not function properly.
• Avoid overloading outlets, power strips, or extension cords.
• Turn off and unplug appliances when they are not in use and before cleaning.
• Do not force plugs into outlets or use adapters that defeat safety features.
• Keep electrical cords out of high-traffic areas, doorways, and from under carpets.
• Be mindful of electrical load, even when using surge protectors.
• Report recurring electrical issues or heavy reliance on extension cords to a supervisor or facilities staff.

National Electrical Safety Month highlights the importance of electrical safety, regardless of our location. By understanding hazards and following safety measures, we can reduce the risk of injury and fatalities. Safety begins with awareness and proactive action. Take the opportunity this month to educate yourself about electrical safety and ensure a safer environment for everyone.