Moving from training to compliance

The focus on training workers to be aware of and have respect for electrical hazards has dramatically increased in recent years. Employers both large and small recognize their responsibility in providing timely and appropriate information in combating this toxic workplace substance. Fatalities and injuries due to electrical contact are on the decline mainly, in this author's opinion, due to this increased awareness. Statistics on arc flash injuries are much less exacting or conclusive. After workers demonstrating in a training environment the correct work practices and understanding it could be assumed then that workplace electrical injuries would have a more timely and marked decline. Although many employers have experienced some decline in incident rates, such has not yet been the case industry wide. Nor have these declines become permanent absent rigorous processes to monitor compliance effectiveness and react with timely adjustments. Skilled and experienced electrical workers tend to express a work culture that is convenient, comfortable and consensual. Consent is given by default where there is an absence of a communicated standard or supervised and monitored guidelines. This paper will explore the discoveries, challenges and proposed remediation efforts in one large company's endeavor to control all activities on or near energized exposed electrical hazards that may be encountered.