![]() The main route of exposure is hand-to-mouthĬontact,” the agency found. “The most serious viral risk is hepatitis and the most serious bacterial risk is tetanus. BIOLOGICAL & CHEMICAL HAZARDSĪccording to Work Safe Alberta, water and wastewater personnel must be cautious when working with sewage. Clear safety procedures, regular communication and the right safety equipment can help alleviate this. Mistakes and carelessness can lead to injuries and even fatalities. ![]() Mitigating exhaustion with regular breaks, mixing up the routine and implementing formal processes and procedures can reduce the risk of employees suffering from fatigue. Your employees are familiar with working long shifts, in fast-paced environments where physical strain, overexertion and fatigue commonly contribute to workplace accidents and injuries. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam.” 6. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps or heat rashes. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. “Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies heat stress symptoms and environments. “ Extremely cold or wet weather is a dangerous situation that can cause occupational illness and injuries such as hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot and chilblains. If these signs are observed, call for emergency help.”Īnd the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gives this precautionary advice: “Workers who are exposed to extreme cold or work in cold environments may be at risk of cold stress.”Ĭold stress can cause a variety of health issues. “Danger signs include uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsy movements, fatigue and confused behavior. In extreme cases, including cold-water immersion, exposure can lead to death.” Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) warns that “prolonged exposure to freezing or cold temperatures may cause serious health problems such as trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 247,120 non-fatal cases involving falls, slips and trips in 2014 and nearly 800 fatalities in 2014, up from previous years. The Canadian Centre of Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) reports that more than 42,000 workers are injured annually due to fall accidents. That's more than twice the fatality rate of police officers and firemen. Many others suffer non-fatal loss of limbs from electrical burns and mechanical trauma. Around 30 to 50 workers in every 100,000 are killed on the job every year. Transmission & Distribution World found that “ utility line work is in the top 10 of the most dangerous jobs in America. More than 110,000 power-line workers are responsible for building and repairing power transmission and distribution systems-they face many risks, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Multiple incidents also occur across water and natural gas sectors, often resulting with workers on disability. A study published by the National Safety Council in the United States reports hundreds of workplace fatalities and thousands of injuries occur each year due to electrical hazards alone. ![]() 1 cause of workplace fatalities in this industry. ELECTRICALĪccording to Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), electrical-related incidents are the No. Here we explore nine incidents you should not overlook in the utilities industry. ![]() Employees work with machinery, chemicals, toxic gases and other dangers on a daily basis. Electrical engineers and maintenance personnel often work alone for extended periods of time at treatment plants, outdoor pumps and high-voltage substations that can be hazardous. Natural gas, electric, water and wastewater utilities pose many risks for your work-alone employees. EMPLOYEE SAFETY IN THE UTILITIES INDUSTRY
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