SafeWork NSW issues safety warning regarding electrical work following rise in fatalities

SafeWork NSW Issues Safety Warning Regarding Electrical Work Following Rise in Fatalities

SafeWork NSW has issued a stern warning to employers and workers, urging both groups to stay alert to hazards linked to working with or near electricity. This follows a troubling increase in fatalities and severe injuries connected to electrical contact across the state.

Electrocution ranks as the second leading cause of traumatic deaths in construction within New South Wales, while electric shock incidents may lead to significant long-term recovery injuries for survivors, according to data from SafeWork NSW.

Rising Fatalities Prompt Urgent Safety Response

In 2023, 60 fatalities were reported across workplaces in New South Wales, with five linked directly to electrical contact. In the past fortnight alone, two individuals have lost their lives on worksites in the state due to electrocution — a stark reminder of the ongoing risk electrical equipment poses when compliance measures are not followed.

Head of SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin, said two fatalities within a fortnight represents a profound tragedy for the construction sector and broader industry.

“Electricity risks are well known. SafeWork NSW Inspectors will continue to take a zero-tolerance response where they come across serious electrical risks such as working live and will issue penalty notices to businesses and, where necessary, to workers,” he said.

Why Electrical Safety Compliance Matters On Every Worksite

Electrical hazards remain among the most preventable yet persistent dangers in construction and industrial settings. Faulty or poorly maintained equipment, damaged power tools, and unsafe practices around live circuits contribute significantly to this ongoing risk.

Businesses must ensure regular inspection and testing of power tools, switchboards, and other electrical equipment forms part of a robust safety management approach. Maintaining compliance with electrical safety standards protects both employers and workers from preventable harm.

• Never work on live electrical equipment without proper isolation procedures.
• Inspect power tools and cords for damage before each use.
• Keep clear distance from overhead and underground power sources on active sites.
• Report faulty equipment immediately rather than continuing work.

Strengthening Safety Culture Across Industry

SafeWork NSW's warning reinforces a broader message echoed across the safety industry: electrical risk cannot be treated as routine. Employers in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare settings should regularly review their safety documentation and risk assessments to reflect current standards.

For organisations looking to strengthen their approach, resources such as the Electrical Safety Policy and Electrical Safety Checklist can support consistent compliance across worksites. Businesses managing multiple trades may also benefit from a dedicated Electrical Safe Work Method Statement to formalise hazard controls for high-risk tasks.

Comprehensive Electrical-HVAC-Solar Safety Packages offer another practical option for businesses seeking ready-made documentation aligned with current compliance expectations.

This latest warning follows similar cautionary statements from regulators nationwide, including SafeWork SA's warning about farm safety following fatalities in the agricultural industry and an earlier SafeWork NSW safety warning over industrial gates, highlighting a consistent pattern of preventable incidents across sectors.

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