b'ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND TOOLsuch as insurance carriers and brokers to help implement SAFETYrisk management best practices. Arc flashessudden, high-energy electrical explosions that can produce temperatures hotter than the surface ofBy Randy Dombrowskithe suncan occur due to faulty equipment, improper maintenance or when workers unknowingly mishandle electrical systems. A heightened risk in manufacturing due to high-voltage equipment, these incidents are also a significant concern in construction where jobsites are con-stantly changing and electrical panels are often exposed. Whether its troubleshooting equipment, running new wiring or resetting breakers, workers may take shortcutsManagers Can Have a Positive Influence on or unknowingly bypass safety procedures, leading to dan-gerous situations.Employees Lives At the same time, unsafe handling of power tools andA recent survey for Gallups new Global Leadership Report temporary electrical setups can also lead to electrocution.indicates managers and leaders can have a significant positive Construction workers rely on power tools, extensioninfluence on employees daily lives, according to Inc. cords and temporary lighting daily, but damaged equip-ment , wet conditions and improper grounding can turnGallup asked about 13,000 employed respondents across 52 these essential tools into serious hazards.countries to name the leader who has the most positive influ-ence on their daily life. Thirty-one percent said a manager or a Measures to avoid dangerous arc flashes include:leader of their organization had the most positive influence, which ranked second after a family member (44%). Six percent cited a political leader, and 5% cited a religious leader. Routine maintenance and inspections: Regularly check electrical panels tagout system to ensure itThe gap is smaller among all U.S. respondents; 30% reported a stays off.manager or organizational leader had the greatest positive influ-ence in their daily lives, and 34% said a family member. People Enforce worker qualifications: Arc-flash risk in- in the U.S. work an average of 38 hours per weekmore than creases when untrained workers attempt electrical62% of other Organisation for Economic Cooperation and De-repairs. Ensure only certified electricians handle livevelopment countrieswhich could help explain the significant influence of managers. circuits. The Gallup report identified the four needs of followers, or Train workers on safe tool use: Proper handling,expectations people tend to place on leaders: hope, trust, com-storage and maintenance of electrical tools should bepassion and stability. Inc. provides the following ways to help part of every workers safety training.meet these expectations without feeling overburdened. AWARENESS, TRAINING, Inspiring hope. When approaching the idea of hope, focus ACCOUNTABILITYon the future and ensure your employees know their relation-While implementing protective measures and followingship with you will contribute to their professional future regulations can reduce the risk of electrocution, an un- through skill development and encouragement, even if you are trained and unaware workforce wont recognize hazardsnot their boss one day. Be realistic and honest about the future, And wear insulated gloves.which can help build trust. Building compassion and trust. Consider reframing com-until its too late. Electrical safety training should be morepassion as empathy, which can place the manager and employ-than a one-time event. All workers need regular refreshersee on the same level and create true understanding. When an on identifying hazards, using protective equipmentemployee and a manager disagree, the manager should strive to understand the issue. Focus on taking employees interests to properly and following safety procedures. With real- heart. world scenarios and peer-to-peer accountability to rein- Being a stable influence. Many companies are laying off force the training, workers can be empowered to stop un- workers and some are freezing hiring. Providing a sense of sta-safe practices and call out risks.bility during a tumultuous time can feel unrealistic. Although managers cannot control external challenges, they can offer However, supervisors and project managers really set thestability by honestly and consistently sharing information in a tone for safety culture. If cutting corners is tolerated totimely manner. meet tight deadlines or budgets, workers will feel pres-sured to take on or ignore risks. Thats why leaders must prioritize safety in project planning and utilize resources 25'