How to reduce electrical-related deaths and injuries to zero

BY JENIFER ROBERTSON, Electrical Safety Authority

Consider this scenario: An electrician is modifying an electrical circuit in a ceiling space at an educational institute. To perform the task, he de-energizes his specific circuit, but leaves the others in the same junction box energized.

While making the wiring modifications, the electrician makes incidental contact with a 347-volt, energized conductor with his right thumb and baby finger. He receives a shock.

Does this sound like a rarity? Well, it is not. In fact, this is a real-life incident that happened in Ontario—and it was preventable. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) shares statistics, trends, and case studies like this to foster greater understanding of who is at risk of electrical-related injuries and death.