Data based on U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics survey of occupational injuries and illnesses. This data is from the 2018 U.S. survey.
Arc Flash
Supplying power to homes, schools, businesses, and hospitals is a complex and risky operation. Shock, electrocution, and arc flash are the biggest threats to electricians and linemen. An estimated 80% of all electrical injuries are caused by electrical arcs created during ground faults, short circuits, and switching procedures.
Transportation
Getting to, from, and around a job site is not often considered a dangerous part of the job but according to U.S. Bureau of labor and statistics, seven percent of all injuries and 30 percent of all fatalities were caused by transportation incidents. Roadway safety signage and being more alert, prepared and engaged while driving can go a long way in preventing tragic events.
Confined Space
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “... 2.3 incidents of injury and illness occur per 100 oil and gas workers each year.” Common industry hazards include toxic chemicals, fires, and confined spaces. To avoid employee injury and the possibility of leaking hazards into the environment, it’s critical for emergency procedures to be enforced at each facility.
Chemical and Environmental Hazards
Sewage and wastewater contain high amounts of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which can mean deadly consequences for workers. When working in a treatment facility, it’s best to utilize engineering controls and PPE to prevent exposures. Common industry hazards include toxic chemicals, fires, and confined spaces. To avoid employee injury and the possibility of leaking hazards into the environment, it’s critical for emergency procedures to be enforced at each facility. Other hazards such as slips, trips, and falls are also common in these environments.
Lockout/Tag-out
When servicing or performing maintenance on machinery, equipment must be powered off and the appropriate lockout/tagout procedures must be followed. By following these measures, employees will be alerted of potential danger and avoid being seriously injured, should the machine release hazardous energy. The unexpected startup of equipment can lead to electrocution, shocks, cuts, burns, pinching and even death.
Regulations
Regulations like the ones listed below, equipment improvements, and the proper use of PPE have resulted in the decline of injuries and fatalities over the years. But even one injury is too many. The safety experts at ORR can help you navigate these regulations to ensure your workers get home safely.
OHSA 1926.501 - Fall Protection.This regulation addresses when fall protection equipment is required including walking/working surfaces, unprotected sides and edges, leading edges, hoist areas, holes, roofing, etc.
OSHA 1926.100 - Head Protection.This regulation covers when head protection must be worn, that employers must provide head protection and the equipment standard for the head protection that is worn.
OSHA 1910.269 - Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution.This section covers the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, control, transformation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment.
OSHA 1910.1200 - Hazard Communication. The purpose of this section is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified, and that information concerning the classified hazards is transmitted to employers and employees.
OSHA 1926.651 - Specific Excavations Requirements.
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