If a coworker experiences electric shock, what immediate actions should you take?

• A. Do not touch them; turn off power; call for help; start CPR if trained
• B. Move them away from the power source while still energized
• C. Do not touch them; turn off power; call for help; start CPR if trained
• D. Yell for assistance and continue welding

Answer: (A)

When electrical shock happens, the first priority is to make the scene safe by removing the source of electricity. If it’s safe to do so, switch off the power or unplug the equipment to stop the current from flowing. Do not touch the coworker while the system could still be live, because electricity can travel through a person and injure you as well.

Once the power is off, shout for help and get emergency assistance as quickly as possible. Then assess the person: if they are unresponsive or not breathing normally, begin CPR right away if you are trained to do so, and continue until professional help arrives or the person starts to breathe normally.

Avoid moving the person unless there is an immediate danger (such as an immediate risk of fire or additional harm), and do not continue welding or attempt to work around the emergency.