How Do Electricians Say No When Someone Asks them to 'Work Live'?

Announcing the Launch of the 'Just Don't Ask' Electrical Safety Campaign June 12th, 2009

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Toronto, ON (PRWEB) June 13, 2009

The Electrical Safety Coalition of Ontario (http://www.electricalsafetycoalition.com) is proud to announce the launch of a unique electrical safety campaign aimed at suppressing the demand for 'live work' on energized electrical equipment.

On Friday, June 12, 2009, join Coalition partners - the Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario, Electrical Safety Authority, Electrical & Utilities Safety Association, IAPA (Industrial Accident Prevention Association) and the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) - as they unveil this new campaign at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation in Mississauga, ON.

'Working Live' by electricians is responsible for 50% of all occupational injuries and deaths due to contact with electrical equipment (MOL, 2006) This harm reduction campaign was created to encourage clients to 'Just Don't Ask' their electrician(s) to work live.

However, those who work on high voltage power and utility lines must work live. They do so under the strictest of guidelines and safety measures and, the reduction in their incident rates proves those strategies are working. This is not the case with industrial, commercial and residential electricians where clients or operations managers are asking these electricians to work live, rather than undertaking the service work with a planned shut down, or, locking out, tagging out, and without other protective procedures in place.

The Electrical Safety Coalition was created in 2007 and represents the first time that major industry partners have joined together in a concerted effort to suppress the demand for 'live work'.

We ask you to join us for the launch of this important life saving effort. The leaders of our coalition partners will help launch this initiative and will be available for a Q&A afterwards. Refreshments will be provided.

All media enquires should be directed to:

Mr. Robert O'Donnell
Executive Vice President
Greater Toronto Electrical Contractors Association
416-391-3226, extension 313

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