THE ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY IN THE ELECTRICAL SECTOR

Abstract

The role of occupational safety in the field of electricity is crucial due to the inherent risks associated with handling electrical energy, such as electric shocks and fires. This study is justified by the urgent need to reduce the high rate of electrical accidents, as evidenced by data from ABRACOPEL, and by the rapid technological evolution that demands constant updates in safety practices. The research problem focuses on how to improve safety practices to reduce the incidence of accidents and protect workers.  The overall objective is to evaluate current practices and propose improvements, with specific objectives that include investigating the effectiveness of regulations (NR-10 and NBR 5410), analyzing the impact of emerging technologies and training, and developing recommendations for integrating safety practices with ongoing awareness programs. The methodology was based on a literature review covering the last ten years, using databases such as Scopus and IEEE Xplore, with specific keywords. Analysis of the results revealed that although robust regulations exist, inconsistent application and lack of adequate training are significant challenges. In addition, the integration of new security technologies has shown promise, but is still little explored. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for a more proactive approach to implementing electrical safety practices and training workers. The research contributes to the academic literature and to the formulation of public policies, encouraging the adoption of stricter practices to ensure safety when working with electricity.