It’s National Electrical Safety Month! Every May, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) organization pushes the initiative to reduce the amount of electrical-related incidents. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are approximately 1,000 electrical injuries annually in the United States. While many efforts to spread awareness have focused on electrical safety in the home, school, and workplace, spreading information about electrical jobsite safety tips is just as essential.
As a professional in the electrical trade, the dos and don’ts of handling dangerous equipment may come instinctively. But whether you’re an apprentice or a seasoned pro, it’s always a perfect time for a quick refresher on some electrical jobsite safety tips to keep in mind.
“Safety is everything on an electrical jobsite,” said City Electric Supply (CES) Manchester Branch Manager Nathan Smith, a former electrician with over half a decade of experience. “Working with live power can put you at risk for serious injury or worse. By following proper procedures, like wearing the right equipment and lockout/tagout, everyone around the affected area is safe.”
1. Wear the right equipment
When it comes to electrical safety, it’s good to start off with the basics. Durable hard hats and electrical personal protective equipment (PPE) are quintessential accessories when working on the jobsite. Hard hats from brands you know and trust, like F4P and Klein Tools, provide head protection capabilities for optimal safety, comfort, and fit when working on power lines and other high-risk areas.
Electrical PPE gear also includes lockout-tagout tags, arc flash protection for electrical explosions and malfunctions, electrical safety matting for added protection when working around live wires and parts, safety glasses for eye protection, electrical safety gloves to protect your hands, and more.
“Wearing the proper PPE gear, like gloves and other tools rated for the job, is essential,” added Smith.
2. Inspect and detect
Nobody has your back like you do, and that’s especially true when it comes to electrical safety. It’s important to have a robust knowledge of electrical safety training to help you think about everything that could go wrong, even when you’ve done everything right.
When working with electrical outlets, cords, and strips, it’s critical to know if you’re working with live and active wires. Conduct a thorough electrical safety inspection and “if in doubt, test it out” with voltage and electrical testers from Fluke and inspection equipment from Milwaukee Tool. No direct contact is needed for added safety to check voltage, amperage, and electrical levels for faulty wiring hazards.
“Check for voltage and amperage levels to know what you are dealing with,” said Smith. “Plus, it ensures that the power is off!”
“I carry a voltage tester in my shirt pocket; it’s the first thing I grab for any type of electrical problem,” one customer added. To find more resources about electrical safety inspections and procedures, check out the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Electrical Training page.
3. Understand and use your tools correctly
As a professional electrician, it’s always good to review the tools you use and the science behind how they get the job done right. Constantly working around the risk of being electrocuted or shocked requires tools that provide electrical shock prevention to stop the current flow from an electrical source. These tools are non-conductive, or insulating, meaning they do not easily allow the flow of a current. Many top brands, like Wiha Tools, provide a wide collection of insulated pliers, cutters, screwdrivers, and more.
Plus, each hand tool is made for a specific task in a specific way. Improper use of tools can cause damage to electrical equipment, which increases the level of danger for you and others on the jobsite.
Refresher recap
Don’t put your safety on the line. You may know the information above like the back of your hand, but it’s always good to keep these tips top of mind when working on an electrical project. Visit your local CES branch or shop online to stock up on electrical safety equipment and more!
Last updated on May 5, 2026