Work accident news 01/02/2007

Safety leaflet aims to reduce accident at work claims among electricians

A recent rise in the number of work accidents involving electricians working on building sites has led to the publication of a new guide focusing on electrical safety.

The leaflet, published jointly by the Electrical Safety Council (ESC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), is aimed at electricians and has been produced with the intention of reducing workplace injuries and the subsequent accident at work claims that often result.

It focuses on safe isolation practices and reminds employers that they are legally entitled to provide a safe working environment for their staff. It also warns electricians not to risk work accidents by carrying out unsafe practices such as energising circuits before electrical installation has been fully completed. This is sometimes done in order to allow building designers, contractors and finishing trades to proceed with their work but can be highly dangerous and often breaks the law.

The guide also reminds electricians of previous legislation that has been passed to prevent personal injuries and resultant accident at work claims.

It refers specifically to the Electricity at Work Regulations of 1974 which state that it is only permissible to work on or near live circuits where there is a risk of touching live conductors when it is unreasonable to work dead, reasonable to work live and where suitable precautions have been taken to prevent personal injury.

These regulations emphasise that 'reasonable to work live', however, cannot be considered solely on the grounds of convenience, cost or for time purposes.

Emma McCarthy, the Electrical Safety Council's director, revealed how the leaflet is intended to help reduce the need for accident at work claims and told the media, "We want this leaflet to be a useful way for contractors to help communicate safe working practices to others on construction sites.

"The Electrical Safety Council, supports and works with the electrical industry and others to increase awareness of electrical hazards, ultimately to reduce fatalities and injuries."

To download a copy of the ESC's electrical safety guide go to www.electricalsafetycouncil.org.uk or for more information about how to avoid personal injuries and potential accident at work claims take a look at www.hse.gov.uk.