Reinvigorating electrical safety

As our lives evolve to include more advanced technologies, our reliance on electricity continues to grow. The U.S. Energy Administration (EIA) predicts an increase in electricity consumption of 4.0% for 2010 [1], with total U.S. consumption from all segments totaling 3890 billion kilowatt hours for the year [2]. Increased electricity usage translates to an increased potential for electricity-related deaths, injuries and property loss. Electrical hazards in the home and workplace result in an average of more than 850 deaths, 5,500 injuries and 62,000 fires annually [3, 4, 5, 6]. The mission of the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is to advocate electrical safety at home and at work. In response to changing population demographics and the increased availability of computer technologies, ESFI has reevaluated the way electrical safety awareness materials have historically been presented. New materials provide a more dynamic approach to learning through the use of tools such as virtual demonstrations and interactive web-based activities. Other advancements are the availability of downloads and internet viewing, which allow for more widespread use without the costs traditionally associated with safety awareness materials. These reduced cost approaches come at a good time for employers, consumers and community leaders who are still recovering from the recent period of economic instability.