Toolbox talk: why safety matters most

Commercial electrical work is both challenging and rewarding, but it also comes with significant responsibilities. Whether working in commercial, industrial, or government facilities, our crews encounter serious hazards every day that require constant awareness, training, and teamwork. Some of the risks associated with our work include:

• High-voltage systems and complex distribution networks

• Arc flash hazards capable of reaching temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun

• Dynamic jobsites where we share space with heavy machinery, high scaffolding, and other trades

Because of these challenges, safety remains at the core of everything we do. During this week's Toolbox Talk, Safety Director Bob Fogle discussed what safety means for our crews and why its impact extends far beyond the jobsite.

Why We Put Safety First

• No Room for Error – Electricity gives no warnings and rarely grants second chances. One uninsulated tool or an ignored lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure can have life-changing consequences.

• Protecting The Crew – Safety is a team responsibility. One person’s shortcut can endanger everyone, so look out for your coworkers as carefully as you look out for yourself.

• The Ripple Effect – An injury affects more than the person involved. It also impacts their family, friends, and coworkers. 

• Professional Excellence – Quality workmanship cannot exist without safety. Finishing a job faster by ignoring safety procedures is not efficiency, it is negligence.

The most important tool on any jobsite is proper PPE. Here's what our crews wear every day to stay protected and work safely.

Our Non-Negotiable Daily Rules

• Test Before You Touch – Never assume a circuit is de-energized just because someone told you it is. Always verify it with a properly rated, calibrated voltage tester.

• Follow LOTO Every Time – Lockout/tagout is your personal life insurance policy on the job. Before working on a system, follow lockout/tagout procedures and apply your personal lock and tag.

• Inspect your PPE – Check your gloves, safety glasses, FR clothing, and insulated tools before every shift. Remove damaged equipment from service immediately.

• Speak Up and Stop Work – If you notice an unsafe condition or skipped safety step, stop the work. At Freeland Electric LLC, everyone has the authority to halt a job for safety.  

Safety is more than a set of rules; it is a commitment we make to ourselves, our coworkers, and everyone waiting for us at home. Take the time to do every task safely, speak up when something is wrong, and make sure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.

Interested in partnering with a company committed to protecting their crews in every condition? Contact Freeland Electric today to discuss your next commercial or lighting project.