Through the Lens of Systems Safety: The Limitations of a Compliance-Based Safety Culture and Opportunities to Reduce Electrical Injuries

Abstract

Since 1970, the discussion of occupational electrical safety in the U.S. has primarily focused on compliance with safe work practices in OSHA regulations and NFPA70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. Without taking away from the importance of the requirements in the regulations and standards, this paper discusses the limitations of compliance-based safety culture and a more comprehensive solution based on proven concepts derived from systems safety.