May is National Electrical Safety Month
04/07/2004

According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately three people die each day in residential electrical-related fires and accidental electrocutions in the home; between 1994 and 1998, an annual average of 165,380 electrical-related home structure fires accounted for an annual average of 910 deaths, nearly 7,000 injuries, and nearly $1.7 billion in property damage. To help prevent more electrical-related deaths, injuries and property damage, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors and promotes May as National Electrical Safety Month.

The electrical hazard is prevalent on the job as well. Statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), indicate that 285 people were electrocuted on the job in 2001. 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 G. 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 the ESFI's web site at www.electrical-safety.org to learn more about electrical safety and to download the many brochures about electrical safety in many different environments. "After all," said Clendenin, "electrical safety is 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc. 4515 Bishop Lane * Louisville, KY  40218 502-451-2430 * FAX: 502-459-3209 Terms of Use