May is National Electrical Safety Month
04/10/2003

(Arlington, Va.)—According to the latest statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nearly three people die each day in residential electrical-related fires and accidental electrocutions. Statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) indicate that 285 people were electrocuted on the job in 2001. To help prevent more electrical-related deaths and injuries, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI—formerly the National Electrical Safety Foundation) supports the recognition and promotion of May as National Electrical Safety Month each year.

The NFPA statistics point out that approximately 111,400 home fires per year are caused by faulty electrical distribution systems, electrical appliances and equipment, or heating and air conditioning systems, causing nearly $1.3 billion in property
damage. Additionally, millions of dollars are lost in corporate and personal productivity, along with the tremendous costs
associated with health insurance and workers' compensation claims and litigation.

“Technology can only do so much to keep us safe,” said ESFI Executive Director Michael Clendenin. “The key element to
electrical safety is awareness. If people are aware of the hazards present around them at home, at work, at school, and at play, and of the many simple ways they can keep safe, those statistics can be dramatically reduced.”

The Foundation is doing its part by educating the public about the importance of respecting electricity and using electrical
products safely in the home, school and workplace, and by supporting other organizations as they get the word out in their
communities. ESFI makes available, online and for order, several electrical safety publications, and engages in proactive public
relations to have a measurable impact on reducing accidental electrical-related deaths, injuries and property damage.

Visit ESFI’s web site at www.electrical-safety.org or contact the Foundation at (703)-841-3229 to receive a free promotional kit to help you establish an electrical safety campaign for May or any other time of year. “After all,” said Clendenin, “electrical safety is 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

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