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How OSHA regulation NFPA 70E could minimize electrical injuries

OSHA wants workers in Pennsylvania to be as safe as possible when they need to perform various tasks. This is why the government agency provides a series of regulations and guidelines concerning many different occupations and industries. One of these is NFPA 70E, which is a proactive and preventative standard that pertains to electrical safety in the workplace.

When properly implemented and adhered to, the NFPA 70E standard has the potential to reduce workplace injuries that could affect productivity along with an employer’s reputation and ability to attract quality workers. One common reason for issues with workplace safety is a lack of understanding about what’s needed to perform tasks safely. However, NFPA 70E could be used by both employers and individual contractors to organize their approach to work.

For example, the NFPA 70E standard has a Job Briefing and Planning Checklist in one of the annexes. This list could be proactively used by electrical contractors or project managers to do a comprehensive job walk-through before any work is done, which may allow potential problems and challenges to be dealt with in a way that’s more efficient and safe. Taking advantage of the guidelines outlined in NFPA 70E could also minimize the need for re-work while also ensuring that all necessary equipment for an electrical job is readily accessible. This type of pre-job planning may further reduce accidents by eliminating a worker’s temptation to take shortcuts with electrical work if certain tools or devices aren’t handy or at the job site.

A workers’ compensation lawyer may consider whether an employer paid attention to OSHA guidelines or standards when helping a client pursue a claim following an injury. Negotiating and structuring a settlement agreement may also become less of a contentious process if it can be proven that oversights with worksite prep contributed to serious electrical injuries.