In any occupation, a level of risk can always be expected while on the job. Some occupations are obviously more dangerous than others, and for many years, the power industry had a reputation of being one of the most hazardous workplace environments. The industry has worked hard to eliminate this reputation, and today it is a much safer work environment than in the past. According to OSHA, there has been a consistent downward trend in the number of annual fatalities and recordable injuries. OSHA reports that for electric power generation and distribution, natural gas distribution, and water sewage and other distribution companies, the number of annual fatalities has decreased from 73 in 2006 to 26 in 2009. The total rate of injury and illness cases has also declined during that same time period from 4.1 cases per 100 workers to 3.3.
Power companies typically have two sets of safety exposures: those that exist in the plant and those that exist in the field. Field workers are widely recognized as having the more hazardous occupation, but plant employees also sometimes work under dangerous conditions. Three hazards account for a large majority of the injuries: direct contact with electricity, fires and explosions of boiler equipment, and contact with hazardous chemicals.
DIRECT CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY
Electrical shocks and burns account for thousands of injuries and many deaths every year in the power industry. Electrical injuries are generally attributed to electric shocks (electrocutions) as well as burns from arc flashes. The number of electric shock injuries has decreased significantly in recent years due to an industry-wide focus in safety awareness in this area. The same focus unfortunately has not been given to arc flash burns, and they continue to be a safety issue that results in nearly three quarters of all electrical work injuries.The number of electric shocks has been minimized due to requirements that all individuals working in electrical cabinets must wear proper safety protection. This necessary regulation has reduced the number of injuries, but unfortunately, it does not go far enough. Other workers on the job site, who do not have direct contact with electrical cabinets and are not required to wear any protection, continue to be susceptible to burns from arc flashes, which can travel several feet.
In order to reduce the number of electrical related injuries, the power companies with the best safety records have implemented safety programs that go above and beyond what is required by OSHA. A few highlights of such programs include requiring all electrical workers to wear flame-resistant clothing, frequently conducting electrical hazard and awareness training, and requiring a safety review for every job profile to avoid complacency.
BOILER FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS
Even with the advanced technology of today, boiler accidents in the power industry are still far too common and result in a large number of workplace injuries. The causes of these accidents can vary from equipment failure to operator error, but whatever the cause, the results of working with these machines can be catastrophic. Because of this, power companies need to focus on prevention and become proactive in reducing the number of accidents.In order to reduce boiler-related incidents, it is essential to develop a boiler safety program that focuses on three key components: operator training, maintenance and testing of safety devices, and upgrading equipment when necessary. By simply focusing on these core areas, the risks associated with boiler fires and explosions can be reduced, and the cost of lost production time and repairing damaged property can be nearly eliminated.
CONTACT WITH HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
Exposure to hazardous chemicals is the cause of thousands of worker injuries every year in the power industry. Workers routinely come into contact with chemicals such as corrosives, oxidizers and solvents. To reduce chemical-related injuries, OSHA has developed and currently enforces hazardous chemical safety regulations.OSHA’s safety regulations provide the foundation, but they leave it up to the employer to identify what hazards exist, what type of safety equipment should be used, training on proper use of the safety equipment, as well as testing and maintenance. A commitment to reducing injuries due to chemical exposure requires a company to formally analyze its specific situation and develop a comprehensive safety program that focuses on these core areas.