SafeWork NSW kicks off electrical safety blitz

SafeWork NSW Kicks Off Electrical Safety Blitz

SafeWork NSW has commenced a compliance blitz targeting electrical risks across worksites in the state, following a series of incidents involving faulty wiring and energised equipment.

Head of SafeWork NSW, Natasha Mann, says working near electrical installations, failing to follow electrical wiring regulations and using faulty electrical appliances can cause serious injuries or fatalities.

Recent Incidents Prompt Action

"Tragically a 35-year-old man was killed in Earlwood last year when he handled energised wires while completing work on an electrical circuit beneath a house," Ms Mann said.

"A 24-year-old man also recently suffered serious burns when he touched a live electrical circuit and caused an arc flash explosion at a construction site in Sydney's north-west."

What the Compliance Blitz Involves

Throughout October, SafeWork NSW will be visiting worksites across construction, manufacturing and other high-risk sectors to check compliance with electrical safety obligations. SafeWork NSW inspectors discuss electrical safety practices directly with site operators, reviewing switchboards, wiring installations and appliance testing records.

During these visits, inspectors will be assessing:

• Compliance with electrical wiring regulations and switchboard access requirements
• Testing and tagging records for portable electrical appliances
• Isolation procedures for work near energised installations
• Availability of residual current devices on construction sites

Businesses found breaching safety obligations may face penalties under NSW workplace safety legislation. Employers are encouraged to review their Electrical Safety Policy ahead of any site visit to confirm current procedures align with regulatory requirements.

Why Electrical Safety Compliance Matters

Electrical hazards remain a leading cause of serious injury across NSW workplaces, particularly within construction where exposure to live circuits and temporary wiring is common. A documented Electrical Safety Checklist helps site supervisors identify hazards before work begins, reducing the likelihood of arc flash incidents and electrocution.

This isn't the first safety blitz SafeWork NSW inspectors have rolled out this year. Our previous coverage on SafeWork NSW's construction safety blitz outlines similar compliance efforts, while a related blitz focusing on overhead and underground services highlights ongoing scrutiny of high-risk infrastructure work. For further detail on how NSW inspectors approach compliance more broadly, see our article on SafeWork NSW's construction blitz aims to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Preparing Your Business for Inspection

Businesses operating in electrical, HVAC and solar trades should ensure documentation reflects current legislative requirements before inspectors arrive. Our Electrical-HVAC-Solar Safety Packages provide ready-made templates covering isolation procedures, testing schedules and hazard identification, helping teams demonstrate compliance quickly during a site visit.

Pairing documented procedures with safety software allows supervisors to track testing and tagging schedules, record inspection outcomes and maintain audit trails that satisfy SafeWork NSW requirements.

Read more on the SafeWork NSW website.