Electrical Hazards: Five Things Every Construction Supervisor Should Know

Construction sites are inherently dangerous places, and electrical hazards can be particularly deadly. That’s why it’s critical for construction supervisors to be able to recognize and respond to potential electrical hazards on the job site quickly. Here are five major electrical hazards every construction supervisor should be trained to spot on the jobsite, and how Safety Plus can help your team be on the lookout without anyone getting fired or fried:

1. Overloaded Circuits: One of the most common electrical hazards on a construction site is overloaded circuits. When too many tools are plugged into a single circuit, it can overload the circuit and cause it to overheat, which can lead to electrical fires. Signs of an overloaded circuit include flickering lights, frequently tripped circuit breakers, and warm or hot electrical outlets.
2. Damaged Cords and Wires: Damaged cords and wires are another common electrical hazard on construction sites. When cords or wires are frayed, cracked, or otherwise damaged, they can expose live wires and create a risk of electrical shock or fire. Supervisors should regularly inspect cords and wires for damage and replace any damaged cords or wires immediately.
3. Improper Use of Extension Cords: Extension cords are a common sight on construction sites, but they can also be a source of electrical hazards. Supervisors should ensure that extension cords are only used as a temporary solution and not as a permanent replacement for fixed wiring. They should also make sure that extension cords are rated for the intended use, in good condition, and are not overloaded.
4. Improper Grounding: Proper grounding is essential to electrical safety on construction sites. Supervisors should know how to spot improper grounding, which can include missing or damaged grounding wires or grounding rods that are not properly installed. Improper grounding can create a risk of electrical shock or electrocution, so it’s critical to address any grounding issues immediately.
5. Inadequate Training: Inadequate training can also create an electrical hazard on a construction site. Supervisors should ensure that all workers are properly trained on electrical safety procedures and that they understand the risks associated with electrical work. Workers should know how to safely handle electrical equipment, how to properly use personal protective equipment, and how to respond in the event of an electrical emergency.

Construction supervisors play a critical role in ensuring electrical safety on the job site. Effective supervisor training and regular site audits or inspections are extremely useful in mitigating these hazards and give you the peace of mind in knowing that everyone on the job will be able to go home safe at the end of the day. At Safety Plus we offer effective safety training services that can teach your supervisors on all aspects of electrical safety so they can spot when things are going haywire early. Our safety professionals can also check-in on your job sites to assist in mitigating these potential hazards with regular site audits and safety inspections that can help your team identify and correct electrical safety issues before they become deadly. We also offer audit and inspection software so you can empower your employees to report hazards at any time from any device, making it easier than ever to prevent safety incidents on the jobsite before accidents occur.

With over 30 years of experience in delivering efficient safety solutions designed to meet your needs – our staff of certified safety professionals are there to ensure that your operations continue to run safely and efficiently right down to the wire. Request a free consultation today to find out how we can help you improve your electrical safety on your site.