The Electrical Safety Roundtable’s
(ESR) 12 Steps to Safe Isolation Infographic has received a Professional
Electrician & Installer 2020 ‘Top Product’ award.
The infographic was created in response to the need to raise
awareness of safe isolation within the workplace with the assistance of Louise
Taggart, an influential health and safety campaigner. Louise sadly lost her
brother Michael in 2005 as a result of an electrical incident at work, which
should and could have been prevented if safe isolation measures were used.
Michaels story has had a massive impact throughout the sector and our goal was
to promote this infographic extensively and make safe isolation common practice
to avoid devastating accidents happening in the future. Worrying statistics
show that 1 in 5 installers do not carry a lock out kit in their van or tool
bag, and 25% of electricians rarely or never use a lock out kit to isolate the
electrical supply they are working on.
Paul Meenan,
chair of the ESR in the Workplace group commented: “It was an honour to work
with the group to create the 12 steps to Safe Isolation infographic. It was
very gratifying to see the infographic making an impact within the industry,
but winning this award exceeded our expectations! Many electrical accidents are
due to the lack of awareness around safe isolation procedures, or the process
not being carried out correctly, so it is imperative that we change this
outlook going forward. The award is a recognition for
those who have made a difference to the electrical professional’s ability to
get a job done efficiently, safely, and professionally, or has helped
electrical installers overcome common problems in their everyday working lives,
and we couldn’t be more proud of the impact our infographic has had, and
hopefully will continue to have on the industry.”
The Electrical Safety Roundtable
in the Workplace’s goal was to promote the infographic extensively and increase
awareness of Safe Isolation to reduce devastating accidents happening in the
future. Accepting this award has confirmed that the focus of this group in
this area was a worthwhile decision.
You can view and download the 12 Steps to Safe Isolation infographic here
Michaels story: https://www.michaels-story.net/
Professional Electrician Announcement
of Award: Professional Electrician & Installer Magazine December 2020 View the article here. (Pages
48-49)