When OSHA was signed into law half a century ago, the prevailing notion about electrical safety is that it is rules-based. The idea was the company makes the rules, and the employees follow them. All too often, what actually happened was the company would make rules that satisfy fine avoidance and then employees would follow those rules just enough to avoid being disciplined for breaking safety rules. In between, many unsafe acts and unsafe conditions resulted in undesirable outcomes such as injury and death.
During that half century, the prevailing notion has dramatically changed. The idea is that the company and employees work together to make the working environment as safe as is practical. This comes with an increased emphasis on employee responsibility and the self-discipline to work safely. Rules still exist, but since nobody can anticipate every possible situation there’s an increased reliance on understanding the principles of safety.
In fact, NFPA 70E requires each employer to identify the principles on which its safety program is based [110.1(E)]. Annex E provides a list of 10 typical safety program principles. Arguably, the most important one is “Anticipating unexpected events” [E.1(5)], something that was actively avoided by many employers for many years. NFPA 70E provides guidance on this principle in several places.
If you don’t know the specific principles upon which your employer’s electrical safety program is based, show your supervisor 110.1(E) and ask that the information be shared and explained.
About the Author
Mark Lamendola
Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.
Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.
Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.