Controlling electrical hazards through effective risk management

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concluded that effective management of worker safety and protection is a decisive factor in reducing the extent and the severity of work-related injuries. Effective risk management addresses all work-related hazards including those potential hazards that could result from a change in worksite conditions or practices, whether or not they are regulated by government standards. Risk is defined as the possibility of loss or injury. Risk is determined by the probability of an incident occurring along with the physical and economic impact on employees, as well as electrical equipment and systems. Managing risk means that the electrical hazards must first be identified through assessments and analysis and then prioritized in order to minimize, monitor, and control the probability and impact of unfortunate incidents and events that may occur. With the knowledge, standards, and regulations concerning electrical safety procedures and hazard assessments in today's industry, risk management should be a vital part of all electrical safety programs. This paper addresses the decision-making techniques needed to make sound electrical safety decisions by 1) using established industry standards and regulations, 2) understanding electrical hazards and analysis, and 3) utilizing the electrical safety and risk assessment (audit) process.