What is one of the common engineering controls used to protect workers from electrical shock?

Insulation materials are a common engineering control used to protect workers from electrical shock because they serve as a barrier between conductive elements and the human body. Proper insulation prevents electric current from improperly flowing to areas where it can come into contact with people, thereby reducing the risk of shock during electrical work. Insulation materials are designed to withstand electrical stress and maintain their protective properties under normal operating conditions, ensuring safety for workers.

While overload switches, wiring colors, and power ratings are important elements in electrical safety and system design, they do not function in the same direct protective manner as insulation. Overload switches help prevent circuit overloads but don't specifically protect individuals from electric shocks. Wiring colors assist in identifying different electrical conductors and their purposes, which is crucial for safe wiring practices, but does not provide physical protection. Power ratings indicate the maximum load an electrical device can handle, ensuring the safe operation of equipment rather than directly addressing shock prevention.