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    1. Safety

    Protecting Yourself from Distractions

    Aug. 17, 2021
    A second of inattention can result in a tragedy.

    Distractions can take many forms on the job. Unfortunately, just a moment of inattention can result in the loss of your fingers, your eyesight, or even your life. Keep your focus on the task at hand by following the tips below.

    • Separate thinking from acting. Most electrical work involves customization. You need to plan how to mount that transformer or how to set that motor in place. It also involves “pay attention” tasks such as drilling or cutting, measuring lethal voltages or currents, and using devices such as winches and power tools. Don’t be thinking about how to do the next customization step while doing such tasks.
    • Separate talking from acting. If it’s necessary to have a conversation while you are in the middle of a task, wait until you are at a good stopping point and then stop to have the conversation.
    • Turn off notifications on your smartphone — or better yet, shut it off. You can check for messages between tasks or at breaktime. Turn off notifications at night so you aren’t drowsy and inattentive at work due to notification-driven disruptions in your sleep.

    About the Author

    Mark Lamendola

    Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

    Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

    Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

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