Office safety begins with electrical cords

Electrical outlets and cords can cause safety hazards in any office when not used and maintained properly. Electric cords should be examined on a routine basis for fraying and exposed wiring. Particular attention should be paid to connections behind furniture, since files and bookcases may be pushed tightly against electric outlets, severely bending the cord at the plug.

Extension cords are another source of increased electrical risk in the workplace.

-- Extension cords should only be used in temporary situations.

-- Extension cords should be kept in good repair, free from defects in their insulation. They should never be kinked, knotted, abraded or cut.

-- Extension cords need to be placed so they do not present a tripping or slipping hazard.

-- Extension cords should not be placed through doorways having doors that can be closed and thereby damage the cord.

-- All extension cords shall be of the grounding type (three prong).

Additionally, electrical outlets should never be overloaded with more plugs than they are designed to accommodate.