Final answer:
Safety hazards, including thermal and shock hazards due to electricity, present serious risks of injury or death. Electrical safety measures such as systems and devices are crucial to mitigate these risks, and are mandated by OHSA to ensure workplace safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Safety hazards are defined as conditions or behaviors that can potentially cause injury, death, or damage to property, outside of those associated with fire. In the context of electrical safety, there are two predominant types of hazards: thermal hazards and shock hazards. A thermal hazard occurs when electrical equipment overheats, potentially leading to fires or burns. A shock hazard, however, arises when electrical current inadvertently passes through a person, posing the risk of anything from minor discomfort to fatal injury.
An understanding of these hazards is critical for ensuring workplace safety, as outlined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), which obligates employers to educate and protect their employees from these risks. Electrical safety is integral, focusing on preventing such hazards through the proper design and use of systems and devices. These might include circuit breakers, insulation, grounding equipment, and safety protocols that reduce the likelihood of hazardous scenarios occurring.