The Invisible Threat: The Lived Experiences EIM Students on Electrical

Precautionary Measures

A Research Paper Presented to the

Faculty of the Senior High School

Department

Mintal Comprehensive High School

Mintal, Tugbok, Davao City

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for Practical Research 1

Grade 11 - Jasmine
Alvizo, Dhan Lloyd Joaquin, Jameel Leigh

Bacatan, Rey Lato, Darrel Pelpinosas

Cid, Jerald Malayao, Brian Ferrer

Galdo, Lance Edano Maskarino, Marco Antonio

Hermoso, Rex Israel Mendoza, Jimwel

Jacusalem, Peter Jules Villapaz, Rhenz

Joaquin, Joshua
Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the invisible threat of
electricity experiences of senior high school students in Mintal Comprehensive Senior
Highschool of Davao City, Philippines. Five senior high school students who experienced
electrical accidents in the campus were chosen through purposive sampling. The study
ensured that ethical considerations were observed during its conduct. It strictly followed
the components of trustworthiness namely credibility, transferability, dependability, and
confirmability to ensure the validity of the qualitative data. Based on the narrative and
thematic analysis, study revealed that victims of incidental, electrical injuries, and effects.
Self-care and check-up help students cope with the adverse and traumatic experiences
of electrical shocks. Along with the insights and realizations, the study emphasized that
electrical accidents lead to lesson learned and cautionary, EIM students should be
attentive to electrical activities. Hence, a call to address such predicament is highly
encouraged in order to create a learning environment where students are safe and
protected from any form of abuse.

Acknowledgement

Words cannot express my gratitude to Ma’am Eva Janine Palanca, our Practical
Research teacher for her straightforward lessons. With her calming yet enjoying class, it
helped us to keep going on and finish the research without any worries. Additionally, this
endeavor would not be possible without the support of my members and especially to
Ma’am Eva Janine Palanca who helped us in our research. I am also grateful to God who
gave us hope and reason to continue on our studies and guided us to people who would
help us in our research. I could not have undertaken this journey without God,
classmates, and our teacher. Lastly, I would be remiss in not mentioning my members
who assisted me in research. Thanks should also go for the people who supported and
participated in our research interviews whom helped us gather information towards our
research.

Keywords: electrical accident, shocks, and hazards, electrical activities, public senior
high schools, qualitative phenomenology study, EIM students, Philippines
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Most of the people on earth uses electricity for everyday life. But do all people
know the dangers and hazards if used inappropriately? In this study, the "how
dangerous" the electricity will be discussed and aimed mainly for EIM students of Mintal
Comprehensive Senior High School.

Electrical safety is important because hazards such as arc flash and shock can
result in death if we are exposed to them. Fortunately, the likelihood of this occurring is
relatively low. However, the control measures that prevent these hazards require careful
management, attention to detail and technical competence. Thus, to understand how
danger the electricity, we need to be informed deeper about its yearly, monthly, and
daily reports about the accidents and incidents of it to be fully aware and careful when
performing or using electricity.

In many countries, electrical/wiring accidents have impaired the health and

safety of electrical students in various school. Of these accidents, 52% caused injuries,
and they also cause social and economic problems, disability, and loss of work time,
increased healthcare costs, and other adverse consequences. According to the
International Labor Organization (ILO), there are more than 15 million work-related
accidents annually on a worldwide basis, and about one million people die each year
due to electricution accidents. The mean rate of fatal accidents in the world is estimated
as much as per 100,000 workers and trainees with Europe reporting 5.89 fatal accidents
per 100,000 workers, and the U.S. reporting 3.2 fatal accidents per 100,000 workers
and trainees. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in Iran, 43% of
accidents are accompanies with injuries. According to statistics released by the Social
Security Organization in Iran in 2003, 268 people died in 14,114 accidents that occurred
at the workshops. Accordingly, a study in Semnan between 2002 and 2006, the rate of
occurrence of fatal accidents or other injuries at work was reported to be 3.8 per
100,000 workers and trainees. (Haji Omid Kalte, et. al., 2014)

According to Burns Open (2017). Electrical injury is the 4th most common cause
of burn which continues to be one of the most distressing trauma injuries in developing
countries. In the Philippines, the number of electrical injuries is typically underreported.
This study is a study of qualitative study of EIM stuents suffering from electrical burns,
cut, or wounds. Majority were males of working age and injuries were work or activity
related (80.45%). The primary cause in majority of the cases was accidental contact of
overhead electrical power lines by metal poles, touching a live wire, or error that occur.

As reported by fire inspector Nestor Jimenez pf the Bureau of Fire Protection

(BFP), in fire incidents in the Davao Region last year were mostly caused by electrical
overload, fire inspector Nestor Jimenez of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 11 said
Monday. He said in a media forum here that of the 462 fire incidents in 2012 in the
region, 192 of them were caused by electrical wiring, mostly overloading. Overall, the
city had the highest number of fire incidents with 197, 104 of which were due to
electrical overload, he said. Among the provinces, according to a report shown by
Jimenez, Davao del Norte had the highest number of fire incidents with 106, 32 of which
were caused by electrical overload.
Electrical burns account for a significant portion of accidents that lead to death. It
has been reported that 42% of events that led to death were due to work-related
electrocutions and contact with electrical lines. Each year, an abundant ot citizens incur
electrical injuries due to equipment failures and unauthorized use of power sources.
Thus, incidents involving injuries due to electrical shocks during the five-year period
from 2005 through 2009 were analyzed to study the main causes of such incidents
among the citizens.

The purpose of the study was to determine how to prevent such incidents and
their consequences, which range from minor injuries to major or even death. So, in
addition to providing detailed information concerning the magnitude of this problem, the
results of this study can be a pioneering effort in local planning to keep the students in
Mintal Comprehensive Senior High School safe. The overall aim of the study was to
investigate accidents involving electrical shocks and related factors for the EIM
students.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how danger the electricity
can be and to take a look at the experiences of EIM students of Mintal Comprehensive
Senior High School in Davao City who encountered electricity errors and may have been
in an accident before and their lived experiences, coping mechanism, and realizations.
Specifically, this study aimed to answer the following research questions:

1. What are the experiences of EIM students on electrical precautionary

measures?
2. What are the coping mechanisms/strategies of students on electrical
precautionary measures?
3. What are the realizations and insights that they can share to students,
peers, and teachers on electrical precautionary measures?

Significance of the Study

Electrical safety is important because hazards such as arc flash and shock can
result in death if you are exposed to them. Fortunately, the likelihood of this occurring is
relatively low. However, the control measures that prevent these hazards require careful
management, attention to detail and technical competence. In this study, the findings will
better understand the experiences that will aim to certify secure and firm evidences to
ensure guidance for students, teachers, and others to identify gaps and produce a
thorough review of the society/environment, social norms, aftereffects, and the harm of
electricity. Interviewing a diverse number of students will allow the researchers to
understand their complex realities in the context of their experiences of electricity and
health environments. This research provided insight into the participants' perspectives
and responses, which will aid and decrease the proness of hazard for the future EIM
students to come.

Theoretical Lens

This study considers the current state and development prospects of the
fundamentals of the electrical safety theory. The concept of electrical safety is refined. It
is found out that, according to the system of labor safety standards, it coincides in
content with the concept of an electrical safety assurance system. It is noted that this
concept can be defined in various ways that describe electrical safety as a certain state
in which human beings interact with areas of their life and activities. The list of
fundamental tasks solved in the theory that has been laid out is formulated. Ten tasks
are distinguished, and subtasks are distinguished in some of them. The attained solution
level for each task is indicated. The current state of electrical safety theory allows setting
up optimal engineering electrical safety assurance systems on particular sites and
ensure the highest level of electrical safety at given costs. (R.W. Hurst, 2020).

An electric shock is the physiological reaction or injury caused by an electric current

passing through the (human) body. It occurs upon contact of a body with two points (one
of them can be the ground) that have two different electrical potential values. Dangers of
Electricity include a variety of hazards that include Electric Shock, Psychological
Damage, Physical Burns, Neurological Damage and Ventricular fibrillation resulting in
death.

Any form of energy, when not properly controlled or harnessed, can result in serious
danger to those who use it. The risks inherent with electric power can generally be
divided into two categories: direct and indirect. The direct danger is the damage that the
power itself can do to the human body, such as stoppage of breathing or regular
heartbeats, or burns. The indirect dangers of electricity include the damages that can
result to the human body as a result of something caused by electric shock, such as a
fall, an explosion, or a fire. Electricity at any voltage can be dangerous and should
always be approached with caution. An electric shock can occur upon contact of a
human or animal body with any source of voltage high enough to cause sufficient current
flow through the muscles or nerves. The minimum current a human can feel is thought to
be about 1 milliampere (mA). As little as 80 milliampere, can seize the heart muscle. The
current may cause tissue damage or heart fibrillation if it is sufficiently high. A fatal
electric shock is referred to as electrocution.

Electrical hazard or Electric Shock may be defined as “Dangerous event or condition due
to direct or indirect electrical contact with energized conductor or equipment and from
which a person may sustain electrical injury from shock, damage to workplace
environment, damage to property or both. The major hazards associated with electricity
are electrical shock, fire and arc flash. Electrical shock occurs when the body becomes
part of the electric circuit, either when an individual comes in contact with both wires of
an electrical circuit, one wire of an energized circuit and the ground, or a metallic part
that has become energized by contact with an electrical conductor.

The severity and effects of an electrical shock depend on a number of factors, such as
the pathway through the body, the amount of current, the length of time of the exposure,
and whether the skin is wet or dry. Water is a great conductor of electricity, allowing
current to flow more easily in wet conditions and through wet skin. The effect of the
shock may range from a slight tingle to severe burns to cardiac arrest.

Electrically powered equipment can pose a significant hazard to students, particularly

when mishandled or not maintained. Many electrical devices have high voltage or high-
power requirements, carrying even more risk. In addition to the electrical shock hazards,
sparks from electrical equipment can serve as an ignition source for flammable or
explosive vapors. A hazardous arc flash can occur in any electrical device, regardless of
voltage, in which the energy is high enough to sustain an arc.

In an arc flash incident, an enormous amount of concentrated radiant energy explodes

outward from electrical equipment. The explosion creates pressure waves that can
damage a person’s hearing, a high-intensity flash that can damage their eyesight and a
superheated ball of gas that can severely burn a worker’s body and melt metal.

Electrical Theories:
Electric Shock Theory: According to this theory, electric shocks occur when electric
current passes through the human body, causing disruption in the normal functioning of
the nervous system and vital organs. (Purbey, 2018)
Arc Flash Theory: This theory suggests that electric shocks can occur due to arc flash,
which is a type of electrical explosion that happens when a high-energy arc of electricity
is released. Arc flash can cause severe burns, injuries, and fatalities. (Cerney, 2016)

Electrical Induction Theory: This theory explains that electric shocks can occur when a
person comes in contact with an object that is charged with an electrical current. The
person's body acts as a conductor, creating a pathway for the current to flow through and
causing a shock. (Siddiqui and Marvasti, 2013)
Ground Fault Theory: According to this theory, electric shocks can occur when there is a
ground fault in an electrical circuit, causing the current to flow through the ground and
potentially come into contact with people or objects. (Liu et al., 2018)

Electromagnetic Field Theory: This theory suggests that exposure to electromagnetic

fields (EMFs) generated by electrical devices and power lines can pose health hazards,
including increased risk of certain cancers and other health problems. (National Institute
of Environmental Health Sciences, 2021)

Delimitations and Limitations of the Study

This qualitative inquiry is delimited only to identified five (5) participants who
frequently experienced electrocutions or difficulty in wiring at Mintal Comprehensive
Senior High School, San Francisco st., Mintal, Tugbok District, Davao City, Philippines.
These participants were officially enrolled in Mintal Comprehensive High School for the
school year 2022-2023.

One of the weaknesses of this study was the limited number of the participants in
which their shared experiences may not truly represent the reality of the majority of the
population in the entire city of Davao. Besides, since it utilized qualitative method, this
cannot make generalization or general conclusion about electricity. However, the
researchers made sure that trustworthiness and credibility of the participants were dealt
with utmost safeguard.

Definition of Terms

Electrical accident – is an undesired event caused by electric current resulting to injury

to a person or damage to property.

Electric shocks – is when electricity runs through the body and can be dangerous.

Arc Flash – is a phenomenon where a flashover of electric current leaves its intended
path and travels through the air.
Electrical hazard – a dangerous condition such that contact or equipment failure can
result in electric shock, arc-flash burn, thermal burn, or blast.

Conductor – a substance or material that allows electricity to flow through it.

Heart Fibrillation – is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that
can lead to blood clots in the heart.

Electrocution – the injury or getting killed through electrical shock.

CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Safety in any operation works best if the person or people in charge take a leading
role in managing safety and health. Many business enterprises have proven that good
safety management leads to increased productivity, and the same works for farms. By
having a good safety management program, you can avoid not only farm injuries, but also
other incidents that are costly, time consuming, stressful and inconvenient. This makes
good economic sense. In the performance of the EIM students’ they’ve learn a lot about
the electrical safety in workplace.

Training, with regards to the proper interaction and for foreseeable inappropriate
interaction with the electrical system, must be completed. The intent of the training is to
ensure that all affected personnel are able to understand when and how hazardous
situations can arise and how to best reduce the risk associated with those situations.
Typically, training for individuals interacting with electrical systems will include technical
information regarding hazards, hazardous situations, or both as well as information
related to potential failure modes that could affect risk. This type of training generally will
be provided by a trainer who has an in-depth understanding of electrical system design,
as well as experience in the field of adult education. Less technical training content could
be appropriate in situations in which only awareness of electrical hazards is needed to
ensure that unqualified personnel do not interact with the electrical system. The electrical
system must be analyzed in order to determine the appropriate PPE. Once the
appropriate PPE has been determined, personnel must maintain and use it as required in
order to ensure that residual risk remains at the desired level. PPE is the last line of
defense.
(https://www.lanl.gov/safety/electrical/docs/arc_flash_safety.pdf)

In 2003, ConocoPhillips Marine conducted a study demonstrating a large difference

in the ratio of serious accidents and near misses. This study was built on the original work
of H.W. Heinrich back in 1931. The Conoco study found that for every single fatality there
are at least 300,000 at-risk behaviors, defined as activities that are not consistent with
safety programs, training and components on machinery. These behaviors may include
bypassing safety components on machinery or eliminating a safety step in the production
process that slows down the operator. With effective machine safeguarding and training,
at-risk behaviors and near misses can be diminished. This also reduces the chance of the
fatality occurring, since there is a lower frequency of at-risk behaviors. Electricity flows
more easily through some materials than others. Some substances such as metals
generally offer very little resistance to the flow of electric current and are called
“conductors.” A common but perhaps overlooked conductor is the surface or subsurface
of the earth. Glass, plastic, porcelain, clay, pottery, dry wood, and similar substances
generally slow or stop the flow of electricity. They are called “insulators.” Even air,
normally an insulator, can become a conductor, as occurs during an arc or lightning
stroke.

Pure water is a poor conductor. But small amounts of impurities in water like salt,
acid, solvents, or other materials can turn water itself and substances that generally act as
insulators into conductors or better conductors? Dry wood, for example, generally slows or
stops the flow of electricity. But when saturated with water, wood turns into a conductor.
The same is true of human skin. Dry skin has a fairly high resistance to electric current.
But when skin is moist or wet, it acts as a conductor. This means that anyone working with
electricity in a damp or wet environment needs to exercise extra caution to prevent
electrical hazards. Electricity travels in closed circuits, normally through a conductor. But
sometimes a person’s body an efficient conductor of electricity mistakenly becomes part
of the electric circuit. This can cause an electrical shock. Shocks occur when a person’s
body completes the current path with: • both wires of an electric circuit; • one wire of an
energized circuit and the ground; • a metal part that accidentally becomes energized due,
for example, to a break in its insulation; or • another “conductor” that is carrying a current.
When a person receives a shock, electricity flows between parts of the body or through
the body to a ground or the earth. An electric shock can result in anything from a slight
tingling sensation to immediate cardiac arrest. The severity depends on the following: •
the amount of current flowing through the body, the current’s path through the body, the
length of time the body remains in the circuit, and the current’s frequency. (W.B.
Kouwenhoven. p. 93., 1968).

Burns are the most common shock-related injury. An electrical accident can result
in an electrical burn, arc burn, thermal contact burn, or a combination of burns. Electrical
burns are among the most serious burns and require\ immediate medical attention. They
occur when electric current flows through tissues or bone, generating heat that causes
tissue damage. Arc or flash burns result from high temperatures caused by an electric arc
or explosion near the body. These burns should be treated promptly. Thermal contact
burns are caused when the skin touches hot surfaces of overheated electric conductors,
conduits, or other energized equipment. Thermal burns also can be caused when clothing
catches on fire, as may occur when an electric arc is produced. In addition to shock and
burn hazards, electricity poses other dangers. For example, arcs that result from short
circuits can cause injury or start a fire. Extremely high-energy arcs can damage
equipment, causing fragmented metal to fly in all directions. Even low-energy arcs can
cause violent explosions in atmospheres that contain flammable gases, vapors, or
combustible dusts.

When a person receives an electrical shock, sometimes the electrical stimulation

causes the muscles to contract. This “freezing” effect makes the person unable to pull free
of the circuit. It is extremely dangerous because it increases the length of exposure to
electricity and because the current causes blisters, which reduce the body’s resistance
and increases the current. 9 The longer the exposure, the greater the risk of serious
injury. Longer exposures at even relatively low voltages can be just as dangerous as short
exposures at higher voltages. Low voltage does not imply low hazard. In addition to
muscle contractions that cause “freezing,” electrical shocks also can cause involuntary
muscle reactions. These reactions can result in a wide range of other injuries from
collisions or falls, including bruises, bone fractures, and even death. If a person is “frozen”
to a live electrical contact, shut off the current immediately. If this is not possible, use
boards, poles, or sticks made of wood or any other no conducting materials and safely
push or pull the person away from the contact. It’s important to act quickly, but remember
to protect yourself as well from electrocution or shock.

A severe shock can cause considerably more damage than meets the eye. A victim
may suffer internal hemorrhages and destruction of tissues, nerves, and muscles that
aren’t readily visible. Renal damage also can occur. If you or a coworker receives a shock,
seek emergency medical help immediately. (Henshaw, 2002).

Electricity is widely recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing to electric

shock, burns, fires, and explosions and may have been killed or injured in fires and
explosions caused by electricity. It is well known that the human body will conduct
electricity. If direct body contact is made with an electrically energized part while a similar
contact is made simultaneously with another conductive surface that is maintained at a
different electrical potential, a current will flow, entering the body at one contact point,
traversing the body, and then exiting at the other contact point, usually the ground. Each
year many employees suffer pain, injuries, and death from such electric shocks. Current
through the body, even at levels as low as 3 mill amperes, can also cause injuries of an
indirect or secondary injury in which involuntary muscular reaction from the electric shock
can cause bruises, bone fractures and even death resulting from collisions or falls.

Burns suffered in electrical accidents can be very serious. These burns may be of
three basic types: electrical burns, arc burns, and thermal contact burns. Electrical burns
are the result of the electric current flowing in the tissues, and may be either skin deep or
may affect deeper layers (such as muscles and bones) or both. Tissue damage is caused
by the heat generated from the current flow; if the energy delivered by the electric shock is
high, the body cannot dissipate the heat, and the tissue is burned. Typically, such
electrical burns are slow to heal. Arc burns are the result of high temperatures produced
by electric arcs or by explosions close to the body. Finally, thermal contact burns are
those normally experienced from the skin contacting hot surfaces of overheated electric
conductors, conduits, or other energized equipment. In some circumstances, all three
types of burns may be produced simultaneously. If the current involved is great enough,
electric arcs can start a fire. Fires can also be created by overheating equipment or by
conductors carrying too much current. Extremely high energy arcs can damage
equipment, causing fragmented metal to fly in all directions. In atmospheres that contain
explosive gases or vapors or combustible dusts, even low-energy arcs can cause violent
explosions(https://www.osha.gov/dte/grant_materials/fy09/sh-18794-09/
electrical_safety_manual.pdf)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 1992 and 2006, an
average of 283 employees died per year from contact with electric current. This downward
trend (See page 18) is due, in major part, to 30 years of highly protective OSHA regulation
in the area of electrical installation, based on the NEC and NFPA 70E standards. The final
standard carries forward most of the existing requirements for electrical installations, with
the new and revised requirements intended as fine tuning, introducing new technology
along with other improvements in safety. By complying with the final standard, people will
prevent unsafe electrical conditions from occurring. While the number of deaths and
injuries associated with electrical hazards has declined, contact with electric current still
poses a significant risk to employees in the workplace, as evidenced by the numbers of
deaths and serious injuries still occurring due to contact with electric current. This final
rule will help further reduce the number of deaths and injuries associated with electrical
hazards by providing additional requirements for installation safety and by recognizing
alternative means of compliance.

Each year many employees suffer electric shocks while using portable electric tools
and equipment. The nature of the injuries ranges from minor burns to electrocution.
Electric shocks produced by alternating currents (ac) at power line frequency passing
through the body of an average adult from hand to foot for 1 second can cause various
effects, starting from a condition of being barely perceptible at 1 mill ampere to loss of
voluntary muscular control for currents from 9 to 25 mill amperes. The passage of still
higher currents, from 75 mill amperes to 4 amperes, can produce ventricular fibrillation of
the heart; and, finally, immediate cardiac arrest at over 4 amperes. These injuries occur
when employees contact electrically energized parts. Typically, the frame of a tool
becomes accidentally energized because of an electrical fault (known as a ground fault)
that provides a conductive path to the tool casing. For instance, with a grounded electric
supply system, when the employee contacts the tool casing, the fault current takes a path
through the employee to an electrically grounded object. The amount of current that flows
through an employee depends, primarily, upon the resistance of the fault path within the
tool, the resistance of the path through the employee's body, and the resistance of the
paths, both line side and ground side, from the employee back to the electric power
supply. Moisture in the atmosphere can contribute to the electrical fault by enhancing both
the conductive path within the tool and the external ground path back to the electric power
supply. Dry skin can have a resistance range of anywhere from about 500 to 500,000
ohms and wet skin can have a resistance range of about 200 to 20,000, depending on
several factors, such as the physical characteristics and mass of the employee. More
current will flow if the employee is perspiring or becomes wet because of environmental
conditions. If the current is high enough, the employee will suffer a ground-fault
electrocution. (Sunderland, 2006).

CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY

This chapter provides the research methodology of the study. This will describe
the subject of the study, specially the research design, role of the researcher, research
participants, ethical considerations, the trustworthiness, and the data collection procedure.

Research Design

In this qualitative research, we used phenomenology as our research design, in

order to inform the reader about the danger of electricity among EIM students.
Phenomenology aids in the comprehension of people's lived experiences. The past study
looks into what people experienced and focuses on how they felt about a phenomenon.
Furthermore, this study is characterized as a study method that aims to describe the
essence of a phenomenon by looking at it through the eyes of those who have lived
through it. The purpose of Phenomenology is to define the significance of this experience,
both in terms of what happened and how it happened (Teherani et al. 2015).

This research uses the Purposive Sampling method to identify the cases or
individuals best suited to help the research. Purposive sampling refers to a group of non-
probability sampling techniques in which units are selected because they have
characteristics that you need in your sample. The main goal of purposive sampling is to
identify the cases, individuals, or communities best suited to helping your answer your
research question.

Purposive sampling technique was used to identify the five (5) participants of this study
who are frequently experienced electrical accidents high school students at Mintal
Comprehensive Senior Highschool, Tugbok District, Davao City. The participants were
composed of five (5) male students. The pseudonyms used in this study were Justine
Reyes, Darven Maramara, Arvee Baguio, Adrian, and Jumong, and some are not their
real names. Approvals from the subject teacher and participant consent were secured
before the conduct of this study

Role of the Researcher

The role of the researcher in this study was to conduct a study that investigates
the potential hazards associated with electricity use and identifies strategies to minimize
those risks. The researcher will be responsible for selecting appropriate research
methods, such as surveys, interviews, or experiments, to collect data from participants.
The researcher will also need to analyze the data collected to identify patterns and trends
that emerge from the participants' experiences.

In addition to data collection and analysis, the researcher will also need to ensure that
ethical considerations are considered throughout the research process. This includes
obtaining informed consent from participants, protecting their confidentiality, and
minimizing any potential harm that may arise from discussing sensitive topics related to
the dangers of electricity.

The researcher will also need to establish the trustworthiness of the research findings by
ensuring the reliability and validity of the research design, the credibility and dependability
of the data collection and analysis procedures, and the transferability and confirmability of
the findings. This will involve employing rigorous research methods and strategies to
enhance the credibility of the findings.

Overall, the role of the researcher in studying the dangers of electricity is to design and
conduct a study that investigates the potential hazards associated with electricity use
while ensuring that ethical considerations are considered and that the research findings
are trustworthy.

Research Participants

The research participants were the five EIM students who are enrolled n the 11 th
grade of the school year 2022-2023. These participants were under the face-to-face
classes. The age of these participants is ranged 17-19 y.o and lived at the area of Mintal
and Bago Oshiro, Tugbok District, Davao City. These participants had experienced
electrical accidents. Thus, the participants’ data is very important for this study. Likewise,
informants of this study may withdraw anytime they wanted to especially whenever they
feel discomforts of this research. It is emphasized that participation in this study is
basically voluntary and no monetary compensation involved.

Ethical Considerations
The observation of ethical standards in conducting a research is highly important
in order to ensure the authenticity and fairness of the study. Parveen and Showkat (2017)
argue that research ethics is doing what is considered as morally and legally right in a
research.

1. It's always necessary for the researcher to prevent biased information upon the
conduct of research.

2. The researcher should avoid offensive words towards the participant's cultural,
religious, economic, psychological, spiritual, physiological, biological, political,
social and other concerns, whether inadvertent or not.

3. It is important to always pay attention to research issues such as research

questions that might be a bias or offensive to the participant.

4. The participants are free to opt in or out of the study at any point in time.

5. The researcher should inform the participants to know the purpose, benefits, and
risk behind the study before they agree or decline to join.
 6. The participant's identifiable data is highly respected.

7. The participants are free to reveal or not their identity.

8. A participant's answer and participation towards the research is highly respected by

the researcher.

9. The researcher must ensure the work is free of plagiarism or misconduct the
research, in order to accurately represent the results.

10. Research misconduct means of making up of falsifying data, manipulating data

analyses, or misrepresenting results in research reports. It is a form of academic
fraud.

11. These participles make sure that participation in studies is voluntary, informed, and
safe for research study.
Trustworthiness

The researcher highly considered trustworthiness of this qualitative study.

According to Denzin and Lincoln, quantitative research concerns itself with the extent to
which results are consistent over time (reliability) and whether the research truly
measures that which it was intended to measure (validity). Qualitative research disputes
the idea of the generalizability of results and argues that meaning is historically situated
and therefore no two people can experience the same problem in the same way. With
qualitative research there is a multiplicity of information and results can thus not be
generalized across different contexts (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005). In qualitative research
reference is made to various techniques that can be used to evaluate and validate
qualitative research. For example, Horsburgh (2003) and Popey, Rogers and Williams
(1998) highlight hallmarks of qualitative research that can be used to ensure the validity of
qualitative research. One of the hallmarks that has been highlighted is the construct of
reflexivity which, as described in section 3.5, clearly illustrates the researcher’s subjective
involvement in the research process. The researcher acknowledges that her framework
and context had an influence on the conception of the research. Therefore, by referring to
her personal journey with regards to the topic she provides the context and foundation
upon which the research is grounded. Validity in qualitative research can also be seen in
the extent to which the researcher provides sufficient detail to enable the reader to
interpret the meaning and context of what is presented (Popey et al., 1998). Validation is
thus dependent on the transparency with which the data collection and analysis
procedures are presented. Similarly, Koch (1994) argues that the trustworthiness of the
research process can be determined by the extent to which the research provides
information and the process by which the end product has been reached. The discussion
of data collection, research methodology and data analysis processes outlined in this
Chapter is in keeping with this hallmark of ensuring validity during the research process.
One of the hallmarks described by Horsburgh (2003) and Popey et al. (1998) is
interpretation of subjective meaning, which refers to the process of using the participants‟
accounts to analyze and interpret data. Details around how this hallmark was adhered to
are presented in the discussion on research findings (Chapter 4). In addition, Horsburgh
and Popey further suggest that good qualitative research should include a description of
context, which refers to the need to describe the social context within which the research
was conducted in order to provide the reader with an understanding of the context in
which the study was conducted.

Data Collection Procedure

The data collection provides the basis for reliability estimations. Thus, a good
data collection procedure is crucial to ensure that the reliability estimate is trustworthy. A
prediction is never better than the data on which it is based. Thus, it is important to ensure
the quality of the Data Collection is about gathering the data necessary for building.

The ability to ask well-structured open-ended questions is important as the participants

can help us to draw out well-thought-out and considered opinions and perspectives from
individuals and groups. It’s certainly a skill anyone can develop, especially leaders
seeking to create an open culture that focuses on both coaching and support. Hence, the
use of Open-ended questions method was used in this research.

One-on-one interview are a valuable research method that provides the researchers with
in-depth insights, rich qualitative data, and the ability to explore diverse perspectives. By
creating a confidential and engaging environment, the interview facilitates open and
honest conversations, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the research
topic. Thus, One-on-One interview is also used by the researcher in the conducted study.

CHAPTER IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This qualitative study gave premium in exploring the lived experiences of students
who already experienced electrical accidents in the public senior high school. The
meaning of their experiences emerged after transcripts and narratives were transcribed.
Developed core ideas were presented in the preceding sections with its corresponding
major themes. The five participants of the study were given ample time to answer the
questions that the researchers asked to them. The in-depth interview lasted about 1 day
which was enough to saturate the essentialities of students who experienced electrical
accidents.

Electrical Accident Experiences

The shared experiences of students who experienced electrical accidents are

encapsulated into essential themes and thematic statements as shown in Table 1

TABLE 1
ELECTRICAL ACCIDENT EXPERIENCES

Essential Themes Thematic Statements

“Habang gatrabaho mi nakurintihan ko.”

“Forgot to turn off the switch when I get to sock it in the
Incidental percetacle.”
 “Napasagdan nako na on ang switch habang ga trabaho.”
“Katong nagwiring mi sa among assignment.”
“When my hand got electrocuted.”
“Nabalian kay nagtrabaho ko sa taas na lugar.”
“I got a wound in my left arm.”
Electrical Injuries “Naghatag ug damage sa akong kamot.”
“Napanit akong kamot unya nihubag.”
“Nanginginig ang kamay ko, pero di nagtagal nagtagal
Nawala din ito.

“Sakit na kulba.”
Effects “I got a little bit in a mental block.”
“Nagbilin ug kabinhod sa akong kamot.”
“Init kayo saakong kamot.”
“Kulbaan.”

Incidental. Occurring casually or by chance: In certain contexts, incidental can

describe something that happens by chance or as a result of circumstances rather than
being planned or intended. It suggests that the occurrence is not a deliberate action but
rather an incidental event that happens in the course of something else. The participants
experienced electrical accidents such as electricutions and electric shocks which caused
a minor skin trauma. The first participant named Justin Reyes experienced a minor
electrical shock while working at a high place. Darven Maramara and Arvee Baguio got
electric shock when he forgot to turn off the switch while working on electrical activities
and caused a wound in his left arm. Meanwhile Adrian got into an accident during his
electrical wiring assignment and left a skin tear in his hands. Lastly, Jumong got into an
electric shock during an activity in electrical laboratory.

Electrical Injuries. Electrical injuries refer to physical harm or damage caused to

a person's body due to the flow of electric current through it. These injuries can occur in
various ways, such as direct contact with live wires or electrical equipment, exposure to
lightning strikes, or accidents involving high-voltage power sources. Electrical injuries can
range from mild to severe, and their severity depends on several factors, including the
amount of current, duration of exposure, pathway of the current through the body, and
overall health of the individual. Common types of electrical injuries include:

(1) Electric shock: This occurs when a person comes into contact with an electrical
source, resulting in the passage of electric current through the body. The severity
of an electric shock can vary from a mild tingling sensation to a life-threatening
event, depending on the characteristics of the electrical current.
(2) Burns: Electrical burns can result from the heat generated by the electrical current
passing through body tissues. These burns can range from superficial burns on the
skin to deep tissue damage and can be further classified as entry burns.
(3) Neurological effects: Electrical injuries can affect the nervous system, causing
symptoms such as loss of consciousness, seizures, muscle spasms, nerve
damage, or paralysis.

Effects. Electrical injuries can have various effects on the human body, ranging
from immediate and visible symptoms to long-term complications. The effects of electrical
injuries can differ depending on the severity of the injury, the path of the electrical current,
the duration of exposure, and the overall health of the individual. As for the participants in
this research, it seemed that they have got the minor electrical accidents such as electric
shock and burns.

Coping Mechanisms

Coping mechanisms are emotions, thoughts, and behaviour that help to reduce the
psychological stress of individuals. It promotes mental well-being allowing the person to
function as effectively as possible. Coping mechanisms can be categorized under three
headings, namely, problem focused, emotional focused and appraisal focused
mechanisms. In spite of the electrical accidents encountered by the participants, they
were able to stand and believe in themselves that they can cope with their trials and
difficulties. Presented in Table 2 are the coping mechanisms of students who got into
electric accidents.

TABLE 2
COPING MECHANISMS
 Essential Themes Thematic Statements

“Stretching my body.”
“I treated my wound with first aid kit.”
Self-care
“Natrauma tungod sa nahitabo.”
“Gitarong pag amping saakong kaugalingon.”

“Shaking my hand and relaxing my body.”

“Oo. Para sigurado.”
Check-up “No, I haven’t.”
“Wala kay dili kayo dako ang pinsala.”
“Wala gipadala lang nako akong samad ug pila ka adlaw.”
“No.”

Self-care. Self-care refers to a set of intentional activities and practices that

individuals engage in to promote their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It
involves taking time to prioritize and care for oneself, recognizing and addressing
personal needs, and implementing habits that contribute to overall health and happiness.
Self-care practices can vary from person to person, as everyone has different needs and
preferences. The participants coped themselves through stretching their body, shaking
the hand, and taking a break or a relax.

Check-up. A check-up, also known as a medical check-up or physical

examination, is a routine assessment of an individual's health conducted by a healthcare
professional. It is a proactive approach to monitoring and maintaining overall well-being.
Based on the participants’ answers, 1 out of 5 of them went to see a doctor to check
himself clear and making sure that his health is away from any sickness. While the others
did not see a doctor because of their belief that it is just a minor and nothing serious.
Essential Themes Thematic Statements
“Dili pataka ug gunit ug magsuot ug PPT
gear.”
“Always check before using the tools and
machine.”
“Icheck daan and switch kung off ba kini
 na kini.”
Lesson Learned “Maghinay unya magsuot ug mga
proteksyon.”
“Well, doble ingat talaga pag trabaho
pinag-uusapan. Kailangan may kasama
Kadin or partner na matino para feeling
safe at para di kabahan.”
“Dapat always ready sila kay delikado ni
nga strand.”
“Before using the machine that can
threaten you, always check before you
turn it on.”
“Tan awon daan kung off na ba ang switch
para likay sa disgrasya.”
Cautionary
“Mag amping unya dili magkiat kiat sa
inyong pagtrabaho unya di kalimtan ang
PPE.”
“Based on my experience, dapat common
sense muna or mag-isip bago magstart sa
electrical activity at dapat tamang tools
and gamitin at palaging magsuot ng
electrical gloves pag magpeperform ka sa
electricity.”

Lesson Learned. A "lesson learned" refers to knowledge or insights gained

through the process of experiencing or undergoing a particular event, situation, or
circumstance. It involves identifying and understanding the key takeaways, observations,
or reflections from a specific experience, often with the intention of applying those insights
to future situations or decision-making processes. Lessons learned can be derived from
both positive and negative experiences and serve as valuable guidance for personal
growth, improvement, and informed decision-making. The participants had their lessons
learned in their experiences on performing electrical activities.

Cautionary. A cautionary definition of "lesson learned" emphasizes the

potential consequences of not heeding or applying the knowledge or insights gained from
a particular experience. It implies that failing to learn from past mistakes or experiences
can result in negative outcomes or repeating the same errors. A cautionary lesson learned
serves as a reminder to be mindful of the consequences, risks, or pitfalls associated with
specific actions or decisions and encourages individuals or groups to take proactive
measures to avoid repeating past errors or making similar misjudgments in the future. It
underscores the importance of using past experiences as a guide for informed and
responsible decision-making. The participants had their experiences and so they had their
pre-cautionary message for next or future EIM students.

CHAPTER V
IMPLI CATIONS AND CONCLUDING REMARKS

Implications for Future Research

Electrical accidents have emerged as a prevalent issue among EIM students. In

fact, a significant number of students have encountered electrical shocks, which pose a
hindrance during electrical activities. These shocks are commonly triggered by events like
short circuits, loose wires, and the absence of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Therefore, it is crucial to emphasize collective responsibility and recognize the inherent
risks associated with inattentiveness during electrical tasks. This challenge extends not
only to current EIM students but also to future ones.

We recommend the future or upcoming EIM students to wear the right PPE and use the
accurate electrical tools that is used for its right job. It is necessary to always check for the
conditions of these electrical tools if it I still in right condition to use. Doing such activities
that a hazard is active, it is important to not clown around and best not to talk with other
classmates, unless if necessary, and try to focus on what’s in front of you. When
struggling with something or the activity, it is best to seek help from the Electrical teacher.

Concluding Remarks

In conclusion, electrical accidents have been a common problem for EIM

students. In fact, many of the students has an experience on electrical shocks. Electrical
shocks in one of the obstacles during electrical activities. This is often triggered when an
electrical happen occur such as short circuits, lose wire, and not wearing PPE. Thus, we
must promote shared tasks, recognizing how danger it is when not careful in doing
electrical activities. This is not only a challenge for the EIM students, but also for the future
EIM students. It is very important to understand how danger electricity can be and should
give attention, mostly for EIM students. Electrical activities are a serious activity, if not, it
will cause an accident. Overall, 5 participants are interviewed and showed proof that
electrical activities are never an easy task.

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