The grid provides essential power to homes, businesses and industries. Utility workers that install, operate and maintain it regularly face electrical and job-specific hazards. Their safety is further compromised by threats to the power grid.

Cyberattacks

The power grid is a vulnerable and appealing target for attackers. Although these attacks have resulted in increased awareness and physical security measures, many substations are still vulnerable. 

Today, cyberattacks have the potential to disrupt the grid, damage highly specialized equipment and threaten human health and safety. Protecting the nation’s grid and other critical energy infrastructure from cyberattacks is a federal priority outlined in the National Cybersecurity Strategy from the Office of the National Cyber Director. 

Additionally, to help combat these risks, electric utilities are investing in more stringent cybersecurity measures, including network monitoring, encryption, access controls and regular vulnerability assessments. Safeguarding the grid against cyberthreats can help protect utility workers and create a more secure environment.

Safety at the work site

Utility workers encounter a wide range of hazards. Precautionary measures must address electrical hazards, falls, fire, potential exposure to hazardous substances and the possibility of accidents involving heavy equipment or machinery. 

To reduce the likelihood of an incident from hazards associated with the basic nature of the job, workers must take part in robust safety training on the proper use of personal protective equipment, electrical hazards, adherence to OSHA regulations and safe work practices. Additionally, employers should have a comprehensive safety program in place. An effective program addresses lockout/tagout procedures, confined space entry protocols and regular inspections of equipment and infrastructure.

Because incident prevention is not absolute, employers must ensure that an emergency action plan is in place. This means that workers should be trained on appropriate rescue procedures and how to respond if something happens. Utility companies should also have pre-­identified emergency response teams ready to act in critical situations.

To address the enhanced risks caused by security threats, routine monitoring and maintenance of the power grid must consider compromises to the grid infrastructure due to human intervention, such as sabotage. Additional protective measures must consider direct threats to workers such as an active shooter. 

Regular inspections, testing and maintenance should look for faulty equipment and check for anomalies that may indicate terrorist activity or other security risks. Some issues may be due to aging infrastructure, natural disasters, weather and local limited acts of vandalism. Regardless of cause, the results are equipment failure, fire or outages, which can be avoided. Being proactive can be extremely helpful in preventing accidents, maintaining the integrity of the power grid and protecting worker and public safety.

The public’s role

The public can also play a part in promoting power grid safety and security. Many utility companies engage in educational initiatives to raise awareness about the potential dangers associated with the power grid. Often hazards and safety issues are first identified and reported to utility companies by the general public. If you see something, say something. This also applies to security threats. 

Active shooter situations

Active shooter situations involving the power grid have targeted infrastructure and workers. Worker protection is the top priority. Scenarios involving infrastructure security almost always result in the immediate deployment of law enforcement and are often over very quickly. Whatever the risk, individuals must be mentally and physically prepared to respond and react before law enforcement arrives. 

There are three recommended courses of action in an active shooter scenario: evacuate, hide or take action. Taking action should be the last resort. 

It’s important to be aware of the environment and all possible hazards, and take note of the nearest exits or escape routes in any facility or work site. Ideally, nobody will face such a dangerous situations, but being prepared is critical in case a catastrophe occurs. 

Whatever the cause, incidents involving the power grid can result in safety threats to workers and the public, disruptions in service and financial and reputational damage to utility companies. Therefore, ensuring the safety of power grid workers and the general public are of the utmost importance to employers and workers.

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