By Brett Brenner, President, Electrical Safety Founda

The modern office environment has changed dramatically in recent years as a result of an increased reliance on office technoligies and electrical equipment. Employees are surrounded by these items--computers, printers, projectors and copiers--both at work and home. It is easy to forget the danger these everyday devices can cause.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2003 and 2007, nearly 900 professional and business employees nation-wide received nonfatal injuries on the job as a result of the unsafe use of electric devices.

In addition, the National Safety Council estimates 600 people die every year of electrical causes. Most of these accidents involve low voltage--600 volts or less. This type of accident is frequently preventable, unnecessarily costing companies money and employees time away from work.

Since May is National Electrical Safety Month, many human resources professionals view this as a great opportunity to increase employee awareness of these potential dangers, creating an office environment where everyone is more mindful of electrical safety.

Electrical accidents that occur in an office environment are usually a result of faulty or defective equipment, unsafe installation or misuse of devices. Accidents occur when employees are not given proper instruction on the safe use of electrical products or how to install products correctly.

One common misconception relates to the purpose of and correct use of surge protectors. While these everyday office products protect equipment from sudden, unwanted increases in voltage, they do not provide protection from the potential hazards of an overloaded circuit.

Wall outlets are only capable of distributing a certain amount of electricity at one time. It is critical that employees avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances and never plug in more than one high-wattage appliance at a time.  Ensuring the total electrical load is not too great for the circuit decreases the risk of an accident tremendously. A licensed electrician can check your electrical system and provide guidance on the capacity of the electrical circuits in your office, installing additional outlets as necessary.

Even with an appropriate number of outlets, keeping electric gadgets running day and night substantially increases one’s chances of injury or death. Unplugging or powering down appliances when they are not in use will minimize the opportunities for electric shock and conserve energy.

In some offices, particularly converted or older offices, the use of extension cords or longer electrical cords is a common practice. Even if they are not visible, the mere presence of these items in high traffic areas, under carpets or across doorways increases the potential for problems. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSO) estimates that each year about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms. If a company is unable to have additional outlets installed, rearranging furniture and the routing of the cords may help prevent an accident.

Though electrical cords are made to be very sturdy, they are not all meant for long-term use and should be inspected at least once a month. Ensure that they are not frayed, cracked, or damaged. The continued use of a damaged cord could result in an office fire.

Finally, every human resources department should read all manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure that all electrical products and equipment are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or ETL Testing Laboratories (ETL). In recent years, the United States has seen a swell of counterfeit electrical products that are often sold at bargain warehouses and deep discount stores. These products, which are not approved by any of the recognized testing laboratories, are more likely to be faulty, leading to fires, electric shocks, explosions and electrocutions.

Awareness of electrical hazards is critical to preventing accidents and creating a safer work environment. Taking the time to review basic safety principles with employees this May can help to ensure the safety of everyone in the company.