Good Morning,

One of the greatest risks of working in the electrical industry is the potential of electrical shocks. According to data provided at the last Joint Industry Board meeting, this year has seen an increase in 24-hour incident reports regarding electrical shocks on the job. Even though the majority of incidents resulted in no lost time, it is important to bring this matter to the forefront and work on getting the number of recordable incidents to zero. To see the data, click here.

Electrical shock incidents occur for a variety of reasons spanning from time constraints, complacency, building restrictions, lack of awareness, etc. The existence of guidelines or rules alone will not prevent injury. There must be an understanding of the requirements and comprehensive compliance. This comes with management commitment and effectively communicating

employee expectations. Employers must make employees aware

of the company’s commitment to the rules, their obligation as part

of that and the practices to be used.

NECA Standing Policy #19 states, "NECA members understand jobsite safety is an important responsibility shared between employers and employees and affirms that implementing safe work practices is not optional. The association believes that a trained and qualified workforce has responsibility to recognize and avoid workplace hazards and, where necessary, employers provide the required personal protective equipment for workers exposed to workplace hazards".

The Association office has also prepared resources you can bring back to your employees to reinforce the importance of having procedures in place when working around energy sources.

Hierarchy of Controls

NECA Best Practice: Voltage Testing

Lock Out/Tag Out Preparation

National NECA has recently published a virtual guide regarding all electrical safety. We highly recommend you review and distribute to your company.



NFPA70E Guides on Electrical Safety

NFPA70E also offers an extensive breakdown of what a company's lockout/tagout procedure should consist of with simple and complex example programs. Below is an insert from the NFPA70E and also a blank energized electrical work permit when conducting any lockout/tagout.

Sample Lockout/Tagout Program

Energized Electrical Work Permit

There are also several tool box talks on this topic in the Safety Meeting App and eSafetyline website that are included in your NYECA membership. You may also find resources covering accident investigation on the NYECA website here.

We encourage anyone interested in participating in the NYECA Safety Committee to reach out to evangelista@nyeca.org.

The next meeting will be taking place via Zoom on Tuesday November 12 at 3:00pm.

If you have any question, you may reach out to the Association Office.

Thank You