With the United States celebrating 250 years of freedom this year, it’s only natural to look back at the Founding Fathers and their impact on our modern society. While many people—men and women both—laid the foundations of the society we enjoy today, perhaps none was more influential than Benjamin Franklin.
In addition to being the only person to sign all three of the fundamental documents creating the United States, Franklin established himself as an intellectual force known as much for his inventions and scientific discoveries as he was for his political acumen.
Franklin invented bifocals, a stove, swim fins, and even a musical instrument. However, our undying gratitude was earned the day he decided to fly a kite in a thunderstorm, thereby proving that lightning is electricity.
Others picked up the torch from Franklin to bring us into the electrical age. Thomas Edison mastered direct current and helped to bring electricity into homes and businesses, while Nikola Tesla perfected alternating current to bring the modern electrical grid to life.
Can you imagine a world without electricity? We certainly wouldn’t have the Internet or artificial intelligence (AI) if we still relied upon candles to light the way. While it might seem like electricity is yesterday’s news, given its discovery and development hundreds of years ago, experts know that it’s still the bedrock of the latest technologies.
In fact, electrification is expanding today, as a whole host of new technologies map out new applications for electricity. Electric vehicles (EVs), battery energy storage systems (BESS), and renewable energy projects involving both solar and wind power are proving that electricity—and capable technicians with hands-on electrical skills—are more important than ever.
As manufacturers, industry experts, and utility companies search for workers with the advanced electrical skills they need, it’s becoming evident that foundational safety knowledge and skills are also critical to success.
For example, in an Occupational Health & Safety article, author Stasia DeMarco notes that “[t]he National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging employers and workers to prioritize electrical safety as part of National Electrical Safety Month, citing growing risks tied to an increasingly electrified workplace.”
DeMarco points out that “[a]s industries adopt new technologies such as electric vehicles, battery storage systems and renewable energy infrastructure, safety professionals face evolving hazards, including arc flash incidents, energized equipment exposure and complex maintenance environments.”
The NFPA believes “the shift underscores the need for updated training, hazard assessments and adherence to established safety standards.” In fact, “[t]he organization emphasized the importance of following safe work practices, including proper lockout/tagout procedures, use of appropriate personal protective equipment and ensuring only qualified workers perform electrical tasks.”
DeMarco concludes: “Electrical incidents continue to pose serious dangers across industries, particularly in construction, manufacturing and utilities, where workers are routinely exposed to energized systems. NFPA said ongoing education and awareness efforts are critical to preventing injuries and fatalities as electrical systems become more widespread and complex.”
Speaking of ongoing education and proper lockout/tagout procedures, employers looking to improve safety training should partner with established companies to provide industrial-quality training systems that will stand the test of time.
For example, DAC Worldwide offers two safety training systems specifically designed to give employees the hands-on experience they need to master lock-out/tag-out skills:
- DAC Worldwide Lock-Out/Tag-Out Training System
- DAC Worldwide Electrical Lock-Out/Tag-Out Training System
Be sure to check out these training systems and contact a DAC Worldwide representative to learn how you can improve your training today!
