National Safe Work Month

17 October 2020

Electricity is invisible. That is why being an Electrician is one of the most dangerous trades out there. You aren’t able to hear, see, or smell live electricity, so it’s easy to make a fatal mistake if the proper precautions aren’t put in place.

There are many methods that we implement to keep our Electricians safe; the use of Safe Work Method Statements, procedures, policies and appropriate use of PPE are all things that we consider every day to be a vital part of our tradies’ working life.

Safe Work Method Statements

A SWMS is a document that outlines the high risk work activities to be carried out and any hazards that may occur from these activities, and the measures to be put in place to control the risks, and keep tradies’ safe.

Policies and Procedures

A step further than SWMS, implementing policies and procedures can be done for more specific hazards that relate to your jobs. For example, this year we have implemented multiple policies that relate to COVID-19 with regards to mask working and travel.

Equipment Inspections

Equipment and tools are used incredibly often, so it’s really important that we keep them in pristine condition. Vans, ladders and PPE are scheduled for regular inspections. We’re looking out for the smallest of details. For example; a rusty ladder screw could fall out and break while in use, or a rubber glove could have a small tear which could conduct electricity into the body while doing live work. Leaving equipment uninspected could invite potential hazards.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment is used on a case-by-case basis, but there is so much opportunity in our line of work to wear it. The use of helmets, gloves, protective eyewear, ear protection, hi-vis vests, are all to be available for electricians to use in any circumstance on the job. Our most important piece of PPE that gets used everyday, however, are our BOOTS. Electricians’ work boots are to be non-conductive and protect against impact. Bump-caps and rubber soles are extremely important.

This Year

We’ve always had standards of work safety to work towards, but the year 2020 has thrown us in the industry a bit of a curveball, to say the very least. In addition to all the dangers we were already very actively working against, we have a new invisible one that has forced us to adapt our practices and procedures to reduce the threat of COVID-19 spread.

In addition to the policies the state government has outlined for the permitted work sector, Alykan has chosen to go beyond this to keep our employees safe. For example; we’ve kept our teams separate, and used separate transports during the working day.

We have been supporting our team, and encouraging their right to access their sick leave when they need it, especially at this time. Not allowing sick workers to mingle with others can not only keep everyone healthier in the long run, but potentially stop the spread of coronavirus, and get us in Melbourne into a new covid-normal way of life.

Accreditation

In order for Alykan to qualify for our continuous accreditation with Master Electricians, it is imperative for us to keep up-to-date with all of our SWMS, policies & procedures, equipment inspections, and appropriate PPE use. When you see the Master Electricians logo, you know that you’re in safe hands with your chosen Electrician.