From 19 to 23 August Eskom shone the spotlight on communities that are most affected by unsafe use of electricity. During the annual Eskom National Electricity Safety Week, Eskom promoted and educated the public about the safe use of electricity. The Eskom National Electricity Safety Week kicked off in Katlehong on Johannesburg’s East Rand. The area is faced with several safety challenges including illegal and unsafe connections.  Every year, innocent lives are lost as a consequence of unsafe use of electricity. Eskom has identified that the biggest contributors to electrical accidents, injuries and deaths are contact with low hanging and fallen power lines, unsafe connections, vandalism, illegal power connections and cable theft.

“We believe that one injury or fatality as a result of unsafe use of electricity is one too many and during the Eskom National Electricity Safety Week, we aim to educate and inform the public about the risks associated with this practice and how to stay safe in the home and out,” said Alex Stramrood, Corporate Occupational Health Safety (OHS), Operational Manager in Eskom. This year Eskom conducted educational shows in Katlehong, Welkom, Nquthu, Khayelithsa, Ngcobo, Kamhlushwa, Lichtenburg, Kuruman and Moeketsi.At each event the public enjoyed an educational industrial theatre production that educated them about the various dangers associated with electricity, how to identify the dangers and to know what to do if they spot them. “We have found that most people understand that electricity can be dangerous but often they can’t identify risky situations and they aren’t sure how to respond. That is why we travelled across the country to educate people with the ultimate aim of reducing fatalities and injuries,” said Stramrood.

Eskom reminded all South Africans that although electricity is an essential part of life it can be dangerous if not used correctly.

They encouraged the public to remember the following: 
·         Don’t pull plugs out by the cord. This damages the cable and can lead to electrical wires being exposed.
·         Don’t put bare electrical wires into sockets.
·         Don’t touch any electrical appliances with wet hands.
·         Never use electricity in the bathroom – water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
·         Do not pass electric cords from one room to another through hinges of doors or windows where they can be squashed ordamaged.
·         Don’t overload plug points.
·         Never leave electrical appliances unattended while in use.
·         Switch off heaters, stoves and kettles when no longer in use
·         Ensure that you purchase electrical products from reputable companies, distributers and retailers.

If your children like to get out and play in the fresh air warn them about the following:
·         Avoid playing near power lines or substations
·         Don’t fly kites near power lines if a kite gets stuck in a power line do not try to retrieve it, you could be hurt.
·         Never climb trees or other structures near power lines. 

“We care about the safety of all South Africans and we implore all South Africans to be aware of the dangers that electricity presentsto ensure that you and your family stay safe,” Stamrood explained. If you come across an unsafe condition report it immediately to 08600 37566.