Both electrical contractors and electricians have certain shared responsibilities regarding safety in the work place. Employers must provide safe workplaces and provide adequate oversight to ensure that all safety measures are being met, while employees must carry out safe work practices. For the electrical worker, safety is not just a byword. It is a crucial element of any job. From the earliest days of the electrical worker’s career, safety is something that is ingrained in his or her day to day work live. Over time, safety becomes second nature.
Of course, this is not to say that bad safety habits never arise among electrical workers. This is why proper and thorough safety training programs are crucial. Whether these are on the job or a part of one’s initial training, the importance of a workforce that is properly trained in safety-related work practices is recognized across the industry. Of course, the question arises: who bears the greater responsibility for safety in the workplace, employers or workers? The answer is both. If the employer fails to provide the proper framework for safety, including a safe workplace, safety-related training programs, and clear communication regarding the company’s expectations regarding safety, then employees may not be sure what is expected of them.
However, it is also the employee’s responsibility to comply with all safety protocols and ensure that safety is maintained in the workplace at all times. From properly inspecting all equipment before use to ensuring that the right tools are used for every job, there are a variety of things that electrical industry employees can do to stay safe on the job. Likewise, employers must ensure that all equipment is maintained and in good working order and that any workplace hazards are eliminated.
By establishing clear-cut safety policies, including specific employer and employee responsibilities regarding safety, a company can work together with its employees to achieve electrical safety. Employers are responsible for providing safety programs that cover safety-related work practices and policies. Employees must then utilize these practices and policies as they perform daily operations on the job. In addition, employers and employees alike must comply with all federal, state, and local rules and regulations governing the industry.
