Running a business successfully is more than following up on marketing, sales, revenues, and profits. It is also about ensuring a safe environment for your workforce. But risks abound in all work environments, whether a high-rise construction site or a seemingly safe retail space or office establishment.
Electrical hazards are among the most common threats business owners have to deal with because electrical appliances and systems are a part of workplace infrastructure everywhere. Thankfully, a little awareness and a few safety measures are enough to keep your employees safe from electrical hazards. Here are some practical ways to ditch the risks.
Prevent contact with live current
Staying away from the current is perhaps the simplest way to ditch the risk of getting electrocuted. Ensure safe distance from appliances and equipment for unqualified personnel. You can also restrict access to high-voltage installations for workers who are not trained to handle and run them. Ensure no exposed wires as accidental contact elevates the risk of electrocution. Installing proper physical barriers is also another effective measure to prevent contact.
Train and authorize employees
You can minimize electrical threats in your workplace by training and authorizing employees for the safe use of equipment and appliances. They should know the nitty-gritty of device handling and usage precautions. It is equally crucial to handle electrical cords properly as they are as dangerous as the device current. Train recruits and run an ongoing training program to keep everyone in the team on top of electrical safety.
Implement regular testing
Regular testing is an essential element of electrical safety planning for your workplace. Businesses in the UK are required to schedule PAT testing for portable appliances as a part of compliance initiatives. Collaborating with a local expert is the best way to stay on track with the testing schedules. A Surrey-based business should look for specialists for PAT Testing Surrey to ensure safety and compliance. Besides implementing regular testing, address the problems with appliance repair or replacement.
Practice caution with conductive tools and cleaning materials
Employees and business owners often focus too much on appliance and equipment maintenance and forget other risks. Using conductive tools and cleaning materials in high-risk zones can also lead to accidents. Warn your workers about the threat and ensure they practice caution with tools and materials that may conduct electricity. Keep them away from live electrical parts to minimize the risk of mishaps. Also, be conscious about storing and using flammable materials close to electrical equipment.
Implement best practices
An employer is responsible for workplace safety, regardless of the size, scale, and domain of the business. Implementing best practices for electrical safety is the key to staying ahead of your responsibility and compliance guidelines. Although the basics are the same, every company may have unique challenges and risks. So you must consider safety best practices depending on your equipment and hazards. Make them a part of your policy and include them in the employee handbook to ensure company-wide adherence.
Electrical safety is essential for every business, so it deserves all the attention you can give. Follow these measures to stay ahead of accident risks and keep your workforce safe.
