• Posted: May 8, 2024
• Apprenticeship Program, better construction, chicagoland area, Code Regulation Updates, Construction Industry, Construction Safety Awareness Week, Construction Safety Week, Construction Technology, electrical contractors, Electrical Fires, Electrical Hazards, Electrical Standards, Electrical Systems, EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), Explosions, Fatal Work Injuries, Insulated Tools, Licensed Electrical Contractor, National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), NFPA (National Electrical Code), Nonfatal Injuries, Occupational Exposure, On-the-Job Training, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), Proper Training, Qualified Person, Renewable Energy Projects, Safety Considerations, Safety Training, Situational Awareness, solar power, Workplace Injuries

While the construction industry is essential for economic growth, technological advancements, and urbanization, working in it can be dangerous. In fact, in 2022, approximately 195,600 nonfatal injuries and  5,486  fatal work injuries were reported. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2011 and 2021, there were 1,648 reported deaths resulting from occupational exposure to electrical hazards. During Construction Safety Week, we’re here to remind you of the importance of proper training in reducing risks associated with electrical construction work.

Electrical contractors work on various projects, including renewable energy installations and industrial, commercial, and residential electrical systems. Whether they are installing an entire electrical system, EVSE Charging Infrastructure, or solar panels, the scope of their work is vast and varied, underscoring the need for comprehensive safety training.

The Most Common Electrical Injuries 

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), some of the most common workplace injuries in the electrical construction industry include electrocution, electrical shocks, electrical burns, and falls. These injuries typically occur from contact with power lines, lack of ground-fault protection, missing or Interrupted path to ground, equipment not used in the prescribed manner, and improper use of extension and flexible cords. 

A lack of proper training can also lead to electrical fires and explosions. Each year in the United States, residential electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year, while arcing faults are responsible for starting more than 28,000  home fires, leading to fatalities and $700 million dollars in property damage. 

These dangerous situations and injuries can be avoided with proper training, safety precautions, and appropriate situational awareness. 

The importance of proper training

Training is an important factor in ensuring contractor, workforce, and project safety. OSHA mandates specific electrical standards and training for electrical installation, as well as the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). Both regulatory agencies define the criteria and knowledge that a “Qualified Person” needs to safely install or work with electrical systems.

OSHA’s defines qualified person as “those permitted to work on or near exposed energized parts, shall, at a minimum, be trained in the skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electrical equipment, determine nominal voltage of exposed live parts, and the clearance distances for voltages which a qualified person will be exposed. A qualified person whose work on energized equipment involves either direct contact or contact by means of tools or materials, must also have the training to meet this standard.”

The NFPA, author of the National Electrical Code ©, takes it a step further and defines a qualified person as: “one that has demonstrated skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.”

A “qualified person” must be trained on the safe practices or specific work methods and be trained to identify and avoid the electrical hazards that might be present with respect to that equipment or work method. Such persons needs to be familiar with the proper use of the special precautionary techniques, applicable electrical policies and procedures, PPE, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools and test equipment.

Additionally, persons working on the jobsite within a limited approach boundary (working in or around electrical systems) needs extensive training that consists of the safety precautions and measures they need to know before walking onto an active construction site.

Consider training and safety when choosing your installation partner

At Powering Chicago, we understand the importance of upholding safety standards, proper training, and preparing the next generation of electrical contractors for success. That’s why at IN-Tech, our member IBEW Local 134 electricians train through a five-year, accredited apprenticeship program and graduate as electrical journeypersons. Apprentices complete 8,000 hours of combined classroom and on-the-job training during the program. IN-Tech’s U.S. Department of Labor-recognized apprenticeship program offers additional OSHA safety training, minimizing risks associated with electrical work. Powering Chicago members also have the latest knowledge on safety and code regulation updates in Cook County.

Powering Chicago’s team is your number one resource for navigating your next electrical project, understanding safety considerations, and identifying red flags to look for in a contractor. For more information on making informed decisions about renewable energy projects, utilize our free, downloadable EVSE and Solar Power eBook and Fact Sheets.  If you’re located in the Chicagoland area and looking for a licensed, qualified electrical contractor for your next project, use our Find a Contractor Tool.