Preventing electric shocks in the construction industry

Electric shocks are one of the biggest causes of injury in the UK construction industry. However, injuries can be easily avoided be complying to the Electricity at Work Regulations Act 1989.

What do employers need to do?

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 states that employers are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of their employees and the public, if they are at risk from work activities.

To identify any hazards in place, it is important for employers to carry out thorough risk assessments. Once hazards have been identified, it is essential to have safety signs in place to warn employees.

In order to identify specific electrical details, Pat Labels Online supply a range of durable and reliable Pat Testing Labels.

What are the risks?

In order to understand the risks, the severity of an electrical hazard needs to be addressed. If preventions aren’t put in place, shocks, fires, explosions and burns can be caused.

An electric shock – usually an alternative current of frequencies of 50 Hz and 60 Hz passing through the body – can cause detrimental effects including internal burns, muscular contractions, brain injury, cardiac arrest and fibrillation of the heart.

Employers must remember that the safety of their employees is their responsibility, meaning that they are completely liable.