HAMILTON, ON - October 21, 2005 - The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has developed an e-course that teaches electrical safety in the workplace, to help people work safely.
Electricity is such a familiar part of everyday life that we can forget that it can be a serious hazard. Every year people get seriously injured and some even die from electricity hazards at work. Something as simple as replacing a burnt out or broken light bulb is a common cause of serious electrical injury. While there are more injuries in the manufacturing and construction industries, every workplace in every industry has some type of electrical risk.
Electrical Hazards, an e-learning course from CCOHS introduces the learner to the basics of electricity and electrical hazards in the workplace. The course teaches people how to be more aware of electricity at work and to recognize the many hazardous situations, such as using power tools and extension cords, and working near electrical equipment or power lines.
Electrical Hazards will be helpful to managers, supervisors and workers who may encounter electrical hazards in the workplace, but who are not formally qualified to work with electrical equipment. Health and safety committee members, facilities managers and anyone who may need general awareness of electrical safety will also benefit from the information. This course is not suitable for those working directly with electrical equipment or installations, who must have specific training and qualifications. The material in the course applies to electrical safety in all workplaces including construction, manufacturing, utilities, retail, agricultural and office environments.
Electrical Hazards includes practical advice and tips that can help make workplaces electrically safe, and protect people from injuries.
More information about the course is available on the CCOHS website.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Eleanor Irwin, Manager - Marketing, Sales and Communications
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
905/572-2981, Ext. 4408 Email: eleanori@ccohs.ca
Please visit www.ccohs-cchst.ca
About CCOHS
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), formed in 1978, is a Canadian federal government agency based in Hamilton, Ontario. CCOHS provides Canadians with unbiased, relevant information, training and advice that supports responsible decision-making and promotes safe and healthy workplaces. CCOHS makes a wide range of occupational health and safety information readily available, in language that is appropriate for all users, from the general public to the health and safety professional. Internationally, the Centre is renowned as an innovative, authoritative occupational health and safety resource. CCOHS partners and collaborates with agencies and organizations from Canada and around the world to improve the quality and quantity of resources and programs, as well as expand the breadth of usage of occupational health information to many different segments of society.