May is National Electrical Safety Month: “Connected to Safety”

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is launching its annual effort to help reduce electrically related fatalities, injuries, and property loss. This year’s campaign theme is “Connected to Safety,” which aims to educate the workforce about solar panel and temporary power safety precautions, and helps businesses prepare their facilities for electric vehicle charging.

There were 166 electrical fatalities in 2019, a 3.75% increase over 2018, and the highest number of electrical fatalities since 2011. ESFI created this year’s National Electrical Safety Month resources to address workplace safety needs to prevent these avoidable injuries and deaths.

Featured National Electrical Safety Month resources include Solar PV Electrical Safety, which highlights that solar photovoltaic installer jobs are expected to increase at a much higher rate than the average of all occupations. These installers must learn how to stay safe while working with or around solar panels.

The Temporary Power Safety page details the proper safety procedures for working with or around temporary power. Temporary power is essential to construction worksites but poses a risk to workers. Following safety procedures is imperative to prevent accidents with temporary power.

And the Installing Electrical Vehicle Chargers material delivers information for businesses interested in installing electric vehicle chargers in their building. As many consumers consider or purchase electric vehicles, business owners may want to consider installing chargers in their facility as an incentive to employees while showing their corporate social responsibility.

Electrical safety awareness and education among employees and employers will prevent future workplace electrical injuries and fatalities. For ESFI’s complete collection of free-to-share National Electrical Safety Month resources to use throughout your community, visit www.esfi.org.