One of the most common workplace-related accidents in industrial environments is electrocution. Telecommunications powerhouse Verizon was recently fined $140,000 for safety violations. The fine was tied to a fatal electrocution death of a technician. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that the telecommunications giant failed to follow safety regulations put in place to protect its electrical workers. The rules and regulations were repeatedly violated, setting the stage for dangerous electrocution accidents to occur.
A technician, Douglas Lalima, was electrocuted while servicing overhead cables in Brooklyn, New York. The 2011 accident resulted in his immediate death. The fine was issued because Verizon failed to provide adequate safety training and equipment. After the investigation was completed, it was found that staff didn’t have protective gear like insulation gloves and helmets. The investigation also concluded that the appropriate training for workers servicing high voltage lines was not provided. The company was ordered to make a list of changes to dramatically improve worker safety.
Accidents like these occur regularly. While many of these accidents aren’t always preventable, many of them actually are. Companies that provide workers with adequate training are more likely to avoid serious accidents like these. A better safety record often starts with the proper training. People new to the electronic field and experienced professionals alike may all benefit from additional training. In addition to making workers more effective in their professions, it improves the company’s safety record. Programs offered such as electrical safety training from Americantrainco.com can improve worker safety.
