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Alabama Worker Safety

March 28th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

Thunderstorm season is in full swing now that spring is here. Employers and workers need to be diligent about reviewing safety procedures to that ensure workers are protected and that they can respond appropriately if a problem should arise.

Electrical outages can occur during thunderstorm season, posing a threat to Alabama worker safety. Fires can erupt due to power surges and improper wiring. Explosions can occur if gas equipment is damaged in a storm. Electrocution can result if equipment, particularly a generator used for backup electricity, has not been installed properly.

Only licensed electricians should set up generators to ensure proper installation procedures are followed and the unit is grounded correctly. Generators should be cleaned, tested, and maintained on a regular basis by a licensed electrician to reduce the risk of fire and electrocution due to malfunction.

Work environments should be properly ventilated whenever natural or propane gas is used. Workers should be aware of warning signs that unsafe conditions could be present. The sound of blowing gas or a smell of gas is an indication that equipment has been damaged. Unusually high flames or calling for heat and a flame does not appear are also indications that there could be a problem. Immediate precautions should be taken and safety procedures should be followed. Smoke and fire detectors should be installed throughout the workplace and should be checked to make sure they are working on a regular basis. Carbon monoxide detectors will also help keep workers safe.

Gas and wood burning stoves can also present safety concerns if not utilized properly, especially when the electricity goes out. All electrical and gas equipment should be maintained routinely to reduce risk in the event of an emergency. Gas and electrical ovens and burners should never be used as a heat source. Charcoal and propane grills should only be used outdoors in a properly vented, open area.