Safety reminder issued after electrical worker injured in switchboard explosion

Energy Safe Victoria has issued a safety reminder to electrical workers, urging them to switch off power before starting any electrical work, following an incident in which a Melbourne worker sustained injury in a switchboard explosion earlier this month.

Summary: An electrician received serious burns after piercing a live cable while working on a switchboard. Energy Safe Victoria says the incident highlights ongoing risk around equipment testing and reinforces why every workplace must never work live on energised equipment without proper isolation.

What Happened in the Switchboard Explosion?

The electrician was carrying out electrical work on a switchboard when he reportedly pierced an electrical cable, triggering an explosion. He was transported to hospital with serious burns, according to Energy Safe Victoria.

This incident is a stark reminder that even experienced workers can be caught out when equipment is not properly isolated or tested before contact.

Why Safety Testing Matters Before Electrical Work

Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said investigators often find electricians are not correctly identifying or testing live electrical equipment, placing themselves and others at greater risk of injury.

"We often investigate matters like this where electricians are not correctly identifying or testing live electrical equipment, placing themselves and others at a greater risk of injury," Hughson said.

Every electrical worker should:

• Confirm equipment is de-energised before beginning any task
• Test all cables and components with calibrated testing gear
• Report all electrical hazards immediately to direct supervisors
• Follow documented isolation procedures for switchboards and panels
• Never assume equipment is safe without verification

Building a Culture of Electrical Safety

Reducing risk on site starts with clear procedures and consistent training. Workers who understand how to identify hazards before contact are far less likely to suffer injury from unexpected energy discharge.

Businesses can strengthen this culture through documented processes such as a comprehensive Electrical Safety Policy, which sets out clear expectations for testing, isolation, and reporting.

Pairing policy with practical tools, like an Electrical Safety Checklist, helps workers confirm every step has been completed before equipment is handled.

Why Equipment Checks Cannot Be Skipped

Skipping a single verification step on switchboard equipment can turn routine electrical work into a serious safety incident. Testing equipment before any contact remains one of the simplest ways to prevent injury.

Employers should ensure workers have access to properly maintained testing equipment and understand how to use it correctly across all electrical equipment on site.

For businesses managing multiple trades, Electrical, HVAC and Solar Safety Packages provide a structured way to keep documentation consistent across teams.

Related Safety Incidents

This is not an isolated case. Similar incidents remind the industry why safety vigilance must remain constant across all trades and sites:

• Safety warning after four Queensland workers injured in an explosion
• Safety alert issued after NT worker falls from forklift
• Safety warning issued after VIC worker falls from roof

Strengthening Safety Systems on Site

Businesses looking to formalise their approach to risk management can benefit from digital tools designed for tracking compliance. Solutions such as Safety Software allow teams to record inspections, testing outcomes, and hazard reports in one place.

Combined with a documented Electrical Safety Checklist, these systems give supervisors better visibility over equipment condition and worker compliance, reducing risk before incidents occur.

Key Takeaways

• Always de-energise equipment before starting electrical work
• Test switchboards and cables with calibrated equipment every time
• Report all electrical hazards immediately to direct supervisors
• Never work live on energy-carrying components without isolation
• Use documented policies and checklists to reduce risk across teams

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