Incident Prevention
Incident Prevention (iP) Magazine is a reliable source of utility safety information for power generation companies, managers, technicians, and field workers, featuring articles and guides written by safety professionals. The publication is known for producing “fluff-free,” concise content to help readers quickly absorb the information they need to stay safe on the job.
Browse our published articles here:
6-Step Method for Safety Harness Inspections December 16, 2022
Your PPE can protect you if it’s in good working order and used properly, and this is especially true of fall protection gear. All gear should be inspected before use because a deficiency can be dangerous. Follow these six steps when inspecting your fall protection equipment as well as when deciding to remove it from service. READ MORE
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The magazine caters to all types of professionals in utility management, including industry decision-makers responsible for ensuring the crew's safety. Stakeholders, municipalities, and firms of all sizes turn to iP for the latest incident prevention guidelines.
Experts in the field regularly contribute to the magazine to highlight emerging trends in utility maintenance. As one of the largest providers of electrical safety supply, PK Safety collaborates with iP to ensure utility workers choose and maintain the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the situation. We specialize in helping businesses and contractors find products and clothing that reduce the risk of injury so everyone on site can focus on the task at hand.
Workplace incidents are often preventable. Every company is required by law to provide a safe work environment for the entire staff. Accessing the latest utility safety information is the best way to prevent slips, falls, and electric shocks. These tips and guidelines can help business owners build a successful training and incident prevention program.
The nature of the job is changing fast as new generation methods come online in pursuit of a more sustainable future. The shift will force workers to learn new skills while bringing new employees into the fold. The content references the latest safety requirements for electrical workers to keep companies compliant. Existing workers and those new to the field should familiarize themselves with these guidelines to ensure they stay safe on the job.
Browse the following Incident Prevention Magazine articles posts to advance your knowledge of utility safety. Our editorials include tips for recognizing potential hazards with in-depth solutions for preventing accidents when working with or near electrical systems.
Utility workers face a wide range of potential hazards on the job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry averaged 25.6 annual fatalities from 2016 to 2020 and 73.6 injuries per 10,000 full-time workers in 2020 alone.
Incident Prevention focuses on some of the most common hazards facing utility management companies today, including:
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Fall prevention is crucial in many fields, but utility workers often take the issue to new heights. These individuals are regularly asked to inspect or repair systems dozens, if not hundreds, of feet in the air. Companies must ensure these workers are securely attached with fall protection equipment to the nearest anchor point using a fall arrest system or self-retracting lanyard in case they lose their footing. The person’s tools should also be tethered to their waist, tool belt, or a nearby anchor point to reduce the risk of head injuries.
We explore some of the issues that come with working on elevated surfaces, including how to keep workers comfortable in the harness during a fall. The vest should come with shock absorption to prevent loss of circulation. The team must have a detailed plan for rescuing the worker, ideally within 15 minutes or less.
Weather-Related Injuries
Utility crews work year-round to keep homes and businesses running day and night. Workers need to wear insulating layers, rubber safety gloves, boots, and head protection without compromising electrical safety. The non-conductive gloves may need to be worn on top of another pair to keep the person’s hands warm. Crews can also use hand warmers to heat up quickly when they’re not working. Extreme heat can also be dangerous. Workers may feel dizzy or lightheaded when overheated, increasing the risk of slips and falls. PK Safety details the best gear for working on utility systems in all types of weather.
Collisions with Equipment and Vehicles
Rain, snow, fog, and working at night all reduce visibility. Crews need to use flashing signals, flaggers, and spotters to conduct the movement of equipment and vehicles. Everyone on site should wear high-visibility clothing with bright neon colors and reflective tape to maximize their chances of being seen. These items are rated based on how much light they reflect. The team should select the correct rating based on their proximity to roadways and pedestrian traffic. Workers in the field can use headlamps to keep track of what’s in front of them when light is scarce.
Electrocution and Flash Fire
Workers need to wear non-conductive gear when working with or near electrical systems. Exposure to electricity can lead to nerve damage, unconsciousness, and death. Rubber is often the go-to material for professionals in the utility industry. We discuss tips for choosing rubber workwear, including gloves and the benefits of wearing rubber sleeves. In the event of a fire, flame-resistant (FR) clothing protects workers from second and third-degree burns so they have more time to escape.
PK Safety is here to help utility workers prepare for and respond to potentially risky situations. Working with electricity is among the country’s most dangerous but essential jobs. Use these iP resources to protect the staff in every environment.