The Silent Danger in Our Workplaces: Why Humane Leadership Demands Safer Power
By Robert Kroon
Every year in the US:
2,000 non-fatal electrical injuries
100-150 fatal electrical injuries
In the bustling environment of commercial real estate, the silent threat of AC power often goes unacknowledged until tragedy strikes. As we embrace Agile Workplaces and consider retrofitting existing buildings to meet modern demands, a critical question arises: are we doing enough to protect the very people who bring these spaces to life? The statistics paint a sobering picture: every year in the U.S., over 2,000 non-fatal electrical injuries occur in commercial workplaces, alongside a tragic 100-150 fatal electrical injuries. These aren't just numbers; they represent lives disrupted and families forever changed.
The Insidious Nature of Electrical Injuries
Studies indicate that approximately three out of every four electrical injuries at work involve low-voltage AC sources.
The nature of these injuries is often severe and can lead to devastating long-term consequences. Electric shock, while sometimes seemingly minor, can trigger violent muscle spasms capable of causing fractures. More alarmingly, the tendency of AC to "lock on" muscles prolongs exposure, amplifying the potential for harm. While high-voltage incidents are undeniably dangerous, it's crucial to recognize that low-voltage currents, such as the common 110V AC found throughout our workplaces, are responsible for the majority of electrical injuries. Studies indicate that approximately three out of every four electrical injuries at work involve low-voltage sources.
Electrical burns are particularly insidious, often causing deep internal damage that belies the surface wound and necessitates extensive, potentially disfiguring, treatment. Falls resulting from sudden shocks can lead to a cascade of injuries, and the explosive force and heat of arc flashes can inflict life-altering trauma. While high-voltage incidents tend to cause more immediate and severe damage, low-voltage contact is statistically linked to a greater number of fatalities in the workplace, often due to its potential to induce a fatal heart rhythm disturbance known as ventricular fibrillation. This underscores that the everyday power we often take for granted can have deadly consequences.
Beyond the Physical: The Lasting Human Cost
The aftermath of these electrical incidents frequently includes permanent disabilities that extend far beyond physical wounds. Survivors may grapple with chronic pain, limited mobility, neurological issues like numbness and memory problems, and even long-term heart complications. The psychological toll is equally significant, with many experiencing anxiety, depression, and PTSD. These are not merely workplace accidents; they are events that can shatter lives and diminish human potential. It is important to note that while workplace injury statistics don't include children, broader data reveals their significant vulnerability to electrical accidents, predominantly in residential settings, highlighting the pervasive risks associated with AC power.
A Humane Imperative: The Case for Safer Power
We have codes, permits, inspectors, training, and warnings, yet we still have accidents and deaths.
Despite the best efforts of our industry, electrical incidents still occur with shocking regularity. We have codes, permits, inspectors, training, and warnings, yet we still have accidents and deaths. This reality forces us to confront a hard truth: current safety measures, while necessary, are not enough. We must innovate beyond traditional safety protocols and address the root cause of the risk.
As leaders in commercial real estate, architecture, facility management, commercial interior design, IT services, and electrical design, we have a moral imperative to prioritize the safety and well-being of those who occupy the spaces we create and manage. The traditional reliance on AC power, while commonplace, inherently carries risks that can result in these preventable tragedies, many of which involve the very 110V systems we use daily.
This is where a forward-thinking approach becomes not just beneficial, but essential. Technologies such as fault-managed power (FMP) and battery-powered Agile Furniture provide a pathway to significantly safer workplaces. By mitigating the dangers associated with conventional AC power, these innovations reduce the likelihood of electrical shocks, burns, and the subsequent cascade of devastating injuries, regardless of the voltage involved. Imagine a workplace where the risk of electrical accidents is dramatically reduced, where employees can engage in their tasks with greater peace of mind. This isn't a futuristic ideal; it's an achievable reality with the adoption of these advanced power solutions.
The Choice Is Clear
Choosing FMP and embracing battery-powered solutions for Agile Workplace furniture like August Berres’ Respond! and CampFire, and mobile monitor stands like Juce isn't just about compliance or efficiency – it's a deeply humane decision. It's about recognizing the inherent value of every individual within our commercial spaces and actively working to protect them from preventable harm, including the risks posed by everyday 110V power. It’s about understanding that a safe workplace is a fundamental right, and that as leaders, we have the power and the responsibility to make it a reality.
Let us move beyond outdated infrastructure and embrace technologies that prioritize human safety. Let us champion Agile Workplaces powered by solutions that minimize risk and foster an environment where people can thrive, not just survive. The humane choice is clear: it's time to demand and implement safer power solutions for a brighter, healthier future in our commercial buildings.
August Berres’ battery-powered desks. Safe DC technology.
About the author:
Bob Kroon is a recognized thought leader and innovator with over four decades of experience in the electro-mechanical and furniture industries. As the CEO and founder of August Berres, he envisions overcoming the limitations of traditional building power by enabling the Agile Workplace through a smart power ecosystem.
Bob passionately advocates for technologies such as building microgrids, fault-managed power (FMP), and battery-powered Agile Furniture, which are transforming the design and utilization of commercial spaces. Under his leadership, a suite of innovative solutions has been brought to market, including Respond!, Juce, CampFire, and Wallies. These products empower building owners, architects, and facility managers to retrofit buildings for today’s dynamic work environment.
