October 27, 2016 – Thanks to ECAO for tipping us off to an upcoming Electrical Hazards Blitz by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, which is scheduled to run for two months, November 1 to December 31, 2016.

The focus of this blitz is to check that:

• Workers are protected against the dangers of working on or around electrical connections.
• Workers hold the requisite trade qualification papers, as required.

Injury potential
Thermal burns: contact with electrical current—general

• Possible causes: poorly maintained power tools or electrical cords
• Things to look for: improperly grounded power tools, frayed extension cords, damaged tools

Muscle, nerve, tissue damage: equipment contact with electrical current-overhead powerlines

• Possible cause: Signal person not present when operating heavy equipment around overhead powerlines
• Things to look for: maintaining minimum clearance distances with overhead powerlines

N.B.: Injury types are based on a review of historical WSIB data and the possible causes were determined with input from IHSA, says MoL, adding the list of possible causes and things to look for is not exhaustive.

The Regulation for Construction Projects includes provisions designed to protect workers exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires and explosions, says MoL, adding many workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment, making them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution.