Safety Corner: Electrical Safety
Begins At Home
Nearly three people die each day in electrical-related home fires
and accidental electrocutions, according to the latest statistics
from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). And on the job, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration reports 285 people were electrocuted
in 2001.
Approximately 111,400 home fires each year are caused by faulty
electrical distribution systems, electrical appliances and equipment,
or heating and air conditioning systems, causing nearly $1.3 billion
in property damage. Millions more dollars are lost in related health
insurance and worker’ compensation claims and litigation and
worker productivity.
To help prevent more electrical-related deaths and injuries, the
Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI—formerly
the National Electrical Safety Foundation) is promoting May as National
Electrical Safety Month. "Technology can only do so much to
keep us safe," said ESFI Executive Director Michael Clendenin.
"The key element to electrical safety is awareness. If people
are aware of the hazards around them at home, at work, at school
and at play, and know the many simple ways they can keep safe, those
statistics can be dramatically reduced." The foundation is
educating the public about the importance of respecting electricity
and using electrical products safely in the home, school and work
place, and supporting other organizations as they get the word out
in their communities. ESFI has several electrical safety publications
available online and for order.
Visit the ESFI’s web site at www.electrical-safety.org
or contact the foundation at 703-841-3229 for information.
|
IBEWCURRENTS
May
2003 IBEW Journal |
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