Minnesota workplace laws are designed to help electrical workers avoid injuries. If you do get injured, you may have to rely on workers’ comp while you recover. Therefore, prevention is the best policy.
Maintain your tools
Something as simple as an improperly maintained tool can lead to a preventable accident. You should always have the right tools for the job. Don’t grab linesman’s pliers when you need a gauged wire stripper. Besides that, you should have insulated screwdrivers and carry a fully functional voltage sniffer in your kit.
Never cut corners with tags
The best set of tools might not protect you from electrocution if someone else turns on the power even though you thought it was off. This is frequently the case when you leave a switch box sitting open or just shut it without any notice. Electricians who take the extra time to add a tag to the box and lock it will not have this surprise. You should still use the voltage sniffer when you come back from a break.
Wear protective gear and work in a safe environment
The ground where you’re standing should be dry. Moreover, you should have insulated gloves. Ripped gloves easily cause snags and may cause injuries that lead to workers’ comp claims. OSHA regulations might not compel you to wear specialty footwear; however, composite toe boots with shock-resistant soles and heels are good choices.
If you do suffer an injury while working at a job site, it’s important to take the steps you need to recover. One of them might be talking to an attorney about securing workers’ comp benefits or filing a third-party negligence suit.
