Health, Safety and Environment - International Labour Organization

Manual 4:HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT FACT SHEETSBurns andother injuriesThe most common shock-related injury is a burn. Burns suffered inelectrical accidents may be of three types: electrical burns arc burns and thermal contact burnsElectrical burns are the result of the electric current flowing throughtissues or bone. The heat generated by the current flow through the bodycauses tissue damage. Electrical burns are one of the most serious injuriesyou can receive and should be given immediate attention.Arc or flash burns, on the other hand, are the result of high temperaturesnear the body and are produced by an electric arc or explosion. Theyshould also be attended to promptly.Finally, thermal contact burns are those normally experienced when theskin comes in contact with hot surfaces of overheated electric conductors,conduits, or other energised equipment. Additionally, clothing may beignited in an electrical accident and a thermal burn will result. All threetypes of burns may be produced simultaneously. InformationNationallegislationAgreementsThere is a wide diversity of approaches in national legislation. Check thesummaries provided by your union educator of applicable laws in yourcountry.Your union may have made agreements with your employer regarding thesafe use of electricity. Check if there are any applicable agreements.ILO Convention No. 184 on Safety and Health in AgricultureSee Articles 6 and 7 in Manual 6 for the employer’s duties Trade union actionCollectivebargainingYour union can use collective bargaining to overcome any limitations inyour country’s health and safety legislation. Encourage your union todevelop agreements on the safe use of electricity.149 Health, Safety and EnvironmentA Series of Trade Union EducationManuals for Agricultural Workers