Originally published by the Australian Institute of Health & Safety

SafeWork NSW recently issued a safety alert following a number of incidents in which younger electrical workers were injured on the job as a result of contact with live wires.

In one incident, a 21-year-old first-year electrical apprentice was undertaking electrical work at a sewer pump station when he came in contact with live wires and received an electric shock and minor burns to his hand.

In another incident, a 23-year-old fourth-year electrical apprentice was undertaking electrical work at a construction site when she came in contact with live wires and received an electric shock and minor burns to her hand.

Electric shock is the second leading cause of fatalities in construction in NSW, according to the safety alert, which said that since 2020, there have been more than 1,000 incidents and nearly 600 injuries recorded by SafeWork NSW.

In NSW, there are more than half a million young people (aged 25 and under) in the workforce. More than 15,000 young people in NSW are injured at work each year, making up 14 per cent of all workplace injuries in NSW.

“By investing time and resources in young workers from their first day on the job, they are more likely to remain healthy and safe throughout their working life. This contributes to a happier and more efficient work environment,” said the alert, which recommended a series of control measures to manage the risks associated with undertaking electrical work and the supervision of young workers:

• only appropriately licensed electricians supervise electrical work
• a licensed electrician isolates and tests electrical equipment to ensure it is de-energised before any workers are allowed to work on it. Identifying all energy sources and effectively isolating them, such as stand-by systems, generators, photovoltaic systems as well as auxiliary supplies from other switchboards
• energised conductors are insulated and/or isolated to prevent inadvertent contact or flashovers
• the power is switched off and the isolation switch is locked out / tagged out (or metre box itself) to prevent any unexpected start-up or inadvertent contact with live parts
• electrical work is carried out from a position that minimises the risk of contact with exposed energised parts and the risk of an electric shock path being created
• a safe work method statement (SWMS) is developed in consultation with relevant workers that outlines the hazards, risks, and control measures and is followed
• workers have been consulted regarding site specific information/controls, for example toolbox talk
• adequate training, supervision and assistance are provided to less experienced or young workers
• a safe system of work is developed and followed by all workers
• communication is maintained between workers when working in isolation, for example the use of two-way radios
• appropriate PPE is worn by all workers
• workers test equipment prior to use
• an emergency plan is prepared.