Electrical injuries: How safe are your surroundings
3 minutes read
An inconspicuous power line, a tool that grazes a wire, an outlet with no protector ... While we know there are risks surrounding electricity, unfortunately accidents are still all too common in Québec. But most electrical injuries can be avoided. How safe are your surroundings?
Kids sent to emergency
Every year, electrical shocks send 90 children under the age of 5 to the emergency department. Simple and affordable precautions would have spared their parents a lot of worry.
If you have young children:
- Teach them about the dangers of electricity from an early age.
- Make your home safe with plug protectors. A neutral colour will help them go unnoticed.
- Don’t leave power cords or extensions within reach. You don’t want a toddler biting or pulling on them, which would also increase the risk of a device falling on them.
Serious electrical incidents
In 2022, there were 54 serious electrical incidents in Québec, including 2 deaths. Most cases can be blamed on a lack of awareness of the risks—not keeping a safe distance from power lines or using tools too close to the wires.
These accidents don’t just affect workers; they affect everyone. There are simple ways to prevent them, like being more cautious and more aware of the safe behaviours around power lines.
3 metres to avoid accidents
When working outdoors, keep yourself and your tools at least three metres from power lines. This distance is crucial to avoid direct contact and the risk of an electric arc, which can occur when a charge passes through the air and creates a bridge between the wires and your tools.
What’s an electric arc?
Just like when you rub your feet on a carpet to give someone a shock, electricity can form an arc without direct contact. Arcs on medium‑voltage power lines can be deadly.
Before you prune or fell a tree, trim a hedge or install decorations near power lines, you must take certain precautions:
- Locate the power lines before you start any type of work.
- Choose the right equipment to work at heights, like a fibreglass ladder.
- Use insulated tools.
If you see a downed power line, never touch it or move it. Always keep at least 10 metres away, since it may be live and extremely dangerous.
Let’s reverse the statistics together
At home and on construction sites, we can all help reverse the trend by taking precautions and following safety guidelines.
When it comes to safety, knowledge is key. Make your surroundings safer, today. Many situations expose us to the risks of electrical injury. Read our safety advice to find out how to recognize the risks and adopt safe behaviours.
