This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the Electrical Utility Safety Rules (EUSR), which have been the foundation of health and safety education in the electrical utilities industry since 1914, and features Jeff Ellery, a member of IHSA's Power Line Apprenticeship and training team. The EUSR, initially created by the Electrical Employers Association of Ontario, laid down a set of rules for safe work for electrical workers who work on or near electrical distribution or transmission systems in Ontario. These workers include power line technicians, utility arborists, and high-voltage electrical workers.

Jeff explains that the EUSR was established in 1914 because of the critical need for a documented set of safety rules due to the high number of incidents and workplace fatalities in the electrical utility sector. The EUSR can be credited with contributing to the foundational elementsfound in the current Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act, such as workers' rights, competent supervision, requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE), and worker resuscitation and first aid. The EUSR is regarded as a best practice within the electrical utilitiessector. 

The EUSR has undergone significant revisions since its formation, and Jeff discusses the parties involved in its evolution, as well as the recent changes that went into effect on January 1, 2024. 

The 2024 edition of the EUSR is now available in print and online at IHSA.ca.

Free Resources

Electrical Utilities Safety Rules (EUSR)

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Safety Awareness (eLearning)

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