A BC Hydro report says outdoor trades workers face the highest risk for an electrical injury.
A BC Hydro report finds serious electrical contact incidents are more common among trades workers, and research shows this is partly due to a knowledge gap.
Trade workers were involved in more than 60 per cent of electric contact incidents that led to serious injuries over the last three years, according to BC Hydro.
One-in-five trade workers have also either made contact or had a close call with electric equipment.
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“New research finds many have had a close call with electricity on the job or have witnessed unsafe work near overhead lines or electrical equipment,” BC Hydro staff said in the report.
“A gap in electrical safety knowledge is a contributing factor in most of these incidents.”
Most electrical contact incidents take place in the spring and summer, when trade workers are working outdoors and are working in close proximity to power lines.
Do you check for overhead lines when working outside? Our recent report shows that a safety knowledge gap is contributing to on-the-job electrical contact incidents: https://t.co/VtvK1Re7Rf pic.twitter.com/hNj7pELHyO
— BC Hydro (@bchydro) June 10, 2022
BC Hydro offered tips for trades workers who may work closely to possible electrical contact points:
The report found that 38 per cent of trades workers who participated in the report said they only feel “somewhat informed” about safety measures around working near electricity and 71 per cent were unable to identify the correct distance they should be away from active power lines or electrical equipment.
BC Hydro said trade workers should participate in its electrical awareness training courses to make sure all safety measures are taken.
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