Workers in New Jersey who deal with electricity may face a greater threat of injury on the job. Electrical accidents can be particularly severe, leading to permanent disabilities or even fatalities. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulates workplaces in order to ensure that employees have a safe environment to perform their jobs. While many OSHA regulations are created in-house, others are developed in collaboration with input from private industry.
NFPA 70E, the standard for workplace electrical safety, was developed by private industry and adopted by OSHA. It aims to create a safer environment for workers handling electricity by developing a protocol to address how electrical work should be performed. While the standard works to avoid workplace accidents, it also helps people to accomplish their tasks more efficiently. Indeed, following the standard can make the workplace more productive at multiple levels. Obviously, avoiding injuries and serious incidents on the job improves productivity, avoids shutdowns, and enhances worker morale. However, the guidelines themselves create a system for work that helps to prevent wasted time and effort.
Workers who are going to take on an electrical task must organize the work first, according to the NFPA 70E standard. This includes assembling all necessary tools, personal protective equipment, and other gear in advance. It also includes running through a walk-through before beginning work on live electricity. As a result, companies can avoid work that needs to be redone or repaired due to oversights.
When electrical accidents do take place on the job, injured workers may face rising medical bills and an inability to return to work. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help these victims obtain their rightful benefits.
