OSHA Health Science Practice Test

Having wet skin or sweat significantly increases the risk of injury during an electrical shock because moisture on the skin reduces its resistance to electrical current. When the skin is dry, it acts as an insulator to some extent, providing a barrier that can prevent or limit the flow of electricity through the body. However, when skin is wet or when sweat is present, the electrical resistance is lowered, allowing electricity to flow more easily through the body, which can lead to severe injuries or even fatal outcomes from electrical shocks.

Additionally, factors like rubber shoes, dry air, and standing on concrete surfaces provide some level of protection or insulation against electrical currents. Rubber shoes, for instance, can act as insulators, while dry air can also reduce conductivity. Concrete, depending on its moisture content, can sometimes be more conductive than dry surfaces, but it does not directly increase the risk as significantly as wet skin does.