Enter your name, email address and zip code for a chance to win a $1000 Credit towards any OSHA Training Center at Chabot-Las Positas Community College District's class at any of our convenient locations where a scheduled class is held in 2015.

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Drawings held on March 17, 2015, and March 31, 2015

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Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard.  OSHA's electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock and electrocution.

Normal and regular use of electrical equipment can cause wear and tear that results in insulation breaks, short-circuits and exposed wires.  Without ground-fault protection, a ground-fault can send current through a worker's body, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.  Even when the power system is properly grounded, electrical equipment can instantly change from safe to hazardous because of extreme conditions and rough treatment.  To reduce electrical hazards: 

• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles, or have an assured equipment grounding conductor program (AEGCP).
• Ground all power supply systems, electrical circuits and electrical equipment.
• Frequently inspect electrical systems to insure that the path to ground is continuous.
• Do not remove ground prongs from cord- and plug-connected equipment or extension cords.
• Use double-insulated tools and equipment, distinctively marked, and ground all exposed metal parts of equipment.
• Visually inspect all electrical equipment before use. Remove from service any equipment with frayed cords, missing ground prongs, cracked tool casings, etc.
• Avoid standing in wet areas when using portable electrical power tools.

Visit OSHA's Electrical webpage for more information on standards, hazard recognition and possible solutions.

The OSHA Training Center is offering OSHA 3095 - Electrical Standards at its Dublin, California, location on March 30-April 2 and October 5-8, 2015. 

Workplace safety inspections are an effective method of hazard control and can provide a systematic method for companies to involve supervisors, employees, safety coordinators and/or safety committees in the process of eliminating workplace hazards.

What to include

When conducting a safety inspection, it's important to look at the organization's entire safety program, including:  

• Processes
• Equipment
• Workplace environment
• Employee training
• Emergency plans

How often?

Safety inspections should be conducted at least every six months.

Who conducts the safety inspections?

The most effective inspections are done by employees familiar with the workplace, task or job. One suggestion is to have a supervisor and an employee from the area work together.

Handling inspection findings

Follow-up on the findings of safety inspections is critical, including:  

• Developing a correction for each problem
• Setting a deadline for the corrections
• Reviewing inspection reports for trends, persistent problems and factors contributing to problems

Conducting periodic safety inspections is an excellent way to ensure everyone's commitment to safe work practices, provide practical training in safety awareness and minimize workplace hazards.

The OSHA Training Center is offering OTC 308 - Safety Inspection Techniques at its Dublin, California, location in April and August.