An arc flash event occurred on January 2017 when an electrician was installing a cable into an energized panel in the Ottawa area. The electrician received second and third degree burns that required treatment in hospital. The Ministry of Labour, Fire, Police, Emergency Services and the Electrical Safety Authority attended the scene. Preventing electrical injuries This incident is an example of the continuation of a worrisome trend* in which electricians are injured or killed on-the-job. It is critical that we all work together to help prevent these types of incidents from occurring. While the precise cause of the incident is under investigation, this incident is a reminder of the devastating consequences of coming into contact with live voltage. Ensuring electrical work is done in a de-energized state is the single most effective way to prevent electrical-related injuries and fatalities. Safety in the workplace is a shared responsibility among employers and workers. Employers and employees are reminded that both have multiple responsibilities to ensure that safety in the workplace is achieved and maintained. When these responsibilities are neglected, both employees and employers are put at risk.
For more information, visit:
Electrical Safety Authority – Worker Safety:
https://esasafe.com/safety/occupational-safety/don’t-work-with-energized-equipment/
Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development – Electrical Hazards:
https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/sawo/pubs/fs_electrical.php
*Between 2011 and 2020, 30 workers died and another 115 workers were critically injured from electrical contact (2020 Ontario Electrical Safety Report). Repair and maintenance work continue to be the most common type of activity associated with electrical-related fatalities and injuries on-the-job.
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