Identifying hazards and preventing accidents requires conducting measures such as Job Safety Analysis (JSA) before a project begins. This systematic procedure breaks down each task to assess and mitigate risks and develop safe workplace practices to avoid electrical incidents.
These pointers should be considered when doing a JSA on powerlines:
- Electricity is invisible. A live wire looks identical to a wire without electricity.
- Direct contact isn’t necessary for an electrical-related accident. Electricity can travel through the air and can inflict serious injuries.
- Weather and climate can cause wires to swing, but higher-voltage wires can sag three metres in one hour after heating up.
- Construction materials placed outside the minimum safe distance from electrical equipment can cause arc flash accidents.
- Ensure that tools and equipment are at a safe distance from an electrical hazard.
In addition to Job Safety Analysis (JSA), ensuring worker safety involves a multifaceted approach. The Hierarchy of Controls serves as an additional protective measure by minimizing hazards and introducing an extra layer of defence. Following this procedure can provide additional precautions and a safe workplace for workers.
IUOE Local 793 stands as a dedicated advocate for the protection of all workers involved in building and maintaining Ontario. The importance of this mission cannot be overstated, emphasizing that safety is not a matter of chance – it’s a deliberate choice that each person must make.
