Taking A Closer Look At Safety In The Utilities Industry
The results of the NSC study confirm the need for aggressive loss control programs for utilities of all types and sizes.
Which types of injuries are most prevalent among utility workers? Which utility sectors are safer than others? Which job types within utilities play a larger role in the number of injuries and deaths? You’ll find all the answers in a new “Injury Facts” publication from the National Safety Council (NSC). This is the first time NSC looked specifically at the 866,000 workers in the utilities sector. The results of the study confirm the need for aggressive loss control programs for utilities of all types and sizes.
Leading Injuries Of Utility Workers
NSC statistics noted that 6,600 workers in utility industries suffered nonfatal injuries or illnesses resulting in days away from work in 2003; another 32 utility workers were killed during the same period. Sprains and strains topped the list for nonfatal injuries among utility workers, and the most common body part affected was the back. Overexertion caused a total of 1,600 utility worker injuries, 550 of which were the result of lifting. The report also noted that older utility workers, ages 45 to 64, suffered more injuries and fatalities than those in any other age group.
Some Utilities Sectors Are Safer Than Others
Water and sewage-related utilities had the highest injury rate — 6.6 injuries per 100 full-time employees. Conversely, electrical power generation utilities had the lowest injury rate — 3.5 per 100 full-time employees.
Different Jobs Impact Injury And Death Rates
Installation, maintenance and repair personnel were most often affected by injuries, with 2,820 workers missing work due to occupational injuries or illnesses and 15 due to fatalities. Administrative and office support personnel saw the second highest number of injuries and illnesses. Lower incidences of injury and illness were reported among the utility industry’s transportation and material handling occupations.
New Software Tool Helps Protect Drinking Water
If a chemical or biological contaminant were accidentally or intentionally introduced into a drinking water source, knowing what threat is posed to the public would be essential to the incident commanders charged with mounting an emergency response. ICWater is a computer-based tool that integrates multiple information sources and data from incident commanders at the scene of a surface water contamination. With this information, it quickly produces maps, tables and charts that tell commanders if drinking water intakes are in the contaminant path, and when and in what concentration the contaminant will reach the intakes. For a closer look at this valuable tool, visit www.fs.fed.us/pnw.
