Electricity is everywhere, and every modern workplace has to have at least some form of electrical fixture.

Even small workspaces, like toolsheds and farmsteads, need to have some electrical appliances and solutions, including lights, sockets for charging and, in some cases, ports for the internet.

All these electrical installations have to be correctly maintained, as they can be a safety hazard if they're not looked after.

Whether your business is small and has a few workers and sockets, or you manage a sprawling warehouse or commercial space, you need to understand the core hazards associated with electrical installations and how to deal with them proactively.

Keep reading, and we'll explore some of the main issues commonly associated with electrical equipment and how you can reduce the chances of them happening or causing major damage if they do.

Live Wires

In some corporate settings, live wires might be exposed for some time, for a variety of reasons. This might be because you need to access the property's wiring system to repair or maintain equipment, particularly large pieces of machinery. Alternatively, there might be damage to a cable's outer casing, which might expose the live wire within. Whatever the reason, if your staff might be exposed to live wires at any point, then you need to make sure that they're aware of the fact and act appropriately. That means using the right safety labels to clearly mark out any areas where live wires are and to signal to staff to take extra care.

Water Damage

Water doesn't mix well with electricity: that's a well-known fact. So, any instance where water can come into contact with your sockets, wires, light fittings, switches or any other electrical fixtures could cause major damage. Not only can it harm your property and equipment, but any nearby staff could be seriously hurt. Basic safety precautions, such as keeping drinking fountains away from electrical installations, and using waterproof coverings, should help. You can also take every precaution to prevent larger-scale leaks, such as water coming in from the outside, by having your roof checked regularly and putting in place safety procedures in case water does reach your electrical system. By letting everyone know where the fuse box is and how to shut off the power in case of a leak, you can make it easier for any member of staff to cope in case an incident does occur.

Fires From Faulty Installations

Poor-quality electrical installations can be a major cause of electrical fires. Additionally, even great electrical wiring and appliances can become damaged over time, and this can lead to wear and tear, which results in a fire. As such, all businesses should get their electrical wiring and installations tested regularly to ensure that they meet the relevant safety standards. You can also learn how to maintain your company's electrical equipment and how often it should be checked, to ensure that you do everything in your power to reduce the chances of an electrical fire on your corporate premises.

Accidents happen in even the most well-run of workspaces, especially those with extensive electrical equipment. However, that doesn't mean that major damage isn't preventable. By being proactive and communicating with your team, you can create a safe working environment where the risk of major incidents is drastically reduced.