Revised guidelines to ensure safety of electrical workers launched in Queensland

Revised Guidelines to Ensure Safety of Electrical Workers Launched in Queensland

Summary: Queensland's Electrical Safety Office has released an updated guide for electrical apprentices, employers and supervisors. The revised guide reinforces safe working methods, correct use of equipment, and compliance with electrical safety legislation following four apprentice fatalities in roof spaces since 2010.

A revised guide created to support electrical apprentices in staying safe at work has been introduced in Queensland. This resource forms part of broader new electrical safety regulations designed to protect workers across the state's electrical trade.

The updated guide from the state's Electrical Safety Office, which details vital safety measures for electrical apprentices, employers, and supervisors, was recently unveiled by Jarrod Bleijie, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Industrial Relations. Queensland's electrical safety framework relies on guidance like this to keep apprentices informed as they gain hands-on experience with electrical equipment and installations.

Why the Updated Guide Matters

According to Mr. Bleijie, it's essential for all apprentices to acknowledge and grasp the dangers involved in electrical work and to learn safe working methods as they embark on professional journeys. Understanding electrical safety early helps apprentices build habits that protect them throughout their careers.

"We have updated this important guide to help keep our electrical apprentices safe," Mr Bleijie said.

"Tragically, four electrical apprentices have lost their lives while working 'live' in domestic roof spaces in Queensland since 2010.

"These deaths were tragic and preventable."

What the Guide Covers

The guide provides guidance on several critical areas for apprentices, supervisors, and businesses delivering electrical services:

• Safe handling of electrical equipment in confined spaces such as roof cavities
• Supervisor responsibilities when apprentices carry out live services work
• Steps to verify compliance with current electrical safety legislation
• Guidance on maintaining quality standards across apprentice training programs

Supporting Safer Outcomes for Apprentices

Employers offering electrical services carry a duty to ensure apprentices aren't exposed to unnecessary risk. Businesses should review their own Electrical Safety Policy against this updated guide to confirm alignment with Queensland's expectations.

Supervisors play a central role in reinforcing safe behaviours on every job. Regular use of an Electrical Safety Checklist helps confirm apprentices follow correct procedures before working near power sources or handling equipment in roof spaces.

Health and Compliance Obligations

Queensland employers must maintain compliance with electrical safety legislation covering apprentice supervision, equipment maintenance, and health protections for young workers entering the trade. Failure to meet these obligations can expose businesses and apprentices alike to serious harm.

Robust health and safety practices also support broader workplace culture. Queensland school children have even received early electrical safety lessons, showing how seriously the state treats awareness at every stage — from classrooms through to trade services. Read more in our article on Queensland school children get electrical safety lessons.

Building a Culture of Quality and Awareness

Ongoing awareness campaigns, including Electrical Safety Week, reinforce the same messages found in the updated apprentice guide. Consistent messaging across training, services delivery, and workplace supervision helps embed quality safety practices industry-wide.

Businesses delivering electrical services should treat this guide as a benchmark for quality assurance, not merely a compliance checkbox. Apprentices deserve equipment, training, and supervision that meets the highest achievable standard.

Resources for Employers and Apprentices

Businesses in the electrical trade can strengthen their safety documentation using several Electrical-HVAC-Solar Safety Packages, which provide guidance covering equipment use, services delivery, and apprentice supervision requirements.

For businesses managing multiple sites or apprentice teams, Safety Software can help track compliance tasks, equipment checks, and training records in one place.

Apprentices working in New Zealand can also reference an Electrical Safety Checklist - NZ, reflecting similar priorities around safe services delivery and apprentice protection across the Tasman.

Queensland's commitment to apprentice safety mirrors efforts seen elsewhere in the sector, including the independent review to guarantee safety of frontline health workers in Queensland, demonstrating a consistent state-wide focus on protecting workers across multiple industries.

Learn additional information here.