Safety with electrical products in the workplace

South Carolina workers should be wary of electrical hazards in the workplace. This is a concern for office workers as well as employees in other types of environments. However, a few safety rules can reduce risks.

Appliances that are giving off a strange smell should be unplugged immediately, and all appliances should be turned off when the workday ends. Appliance cords should be safe. This means that they should not be cracked or frayed, and they should also not be attached to extension cords that are suspended or hung with tools like staples or wires.

Plugs should fit securely into outlets without being forced. Plugs that are loose can be a fire hazard. All appliances should be grounded ones with plugs that fit into grounded three-prong outlets. An independent testing laboratory should have approved all appliances in the office, and electrical panels should have at least 3 feet of clearance in front of them.

Despite these precautions, a worker may still suffer an on-the-job injury related to electrical products. This could be a shock or a burn, or it could be a fall resulting from tripping over cords. Whatever the nature of the injury, the worker might be eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. This might be the case regardless of who is at fault in the injury. An employer is not permitted to retaliate against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Retaliation may come in the form of a demotion or denial of promotion, a hostile work environment or termination. A worker may wish to seek the assistance of an attorney in obtaining and reviewing all of the documentation necessary to support the claim.