Electricity can cause severe injuries in a fraction of a second. Electric shock can disrupt the heart's rhythm and cause deep internal burns, while an arc flash can cause serious burns to the skin, eyes and airways even without direct contact. Many workers are also injured falling from ladders or platforms after a shock.
What causes electrical accidents at work?
Contact with exposed live conductors or damaged cables; faulty portable tools and extension leads; working on equipment that was not properly isolated and locked off; arc flash from faults in switchgear and distribution boards; striking buried cables or overhead lines; and unqualified workers being asked to carry out electrical work.
What does the law require?
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 apply to all workplaces. Among other things they require that:
- electrical systems are constructed and maintained so as to prevent danger (regulation 4);
- conductors are insulated or protected so that people cannot touch live parts (regulation 7);
- equipment is cut off from the supply and isolated before work is done on it (regulations 12 and 13);
- live working is allowed only where it is unreasonable to work dead and suitable precautions are taken (regulation 14); and
- only people with the right knowledge and experience, or under proper supervision, work on electrical systems (regulation 16).
Some of these duties are strict: the employer can only escape liability by proving it took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence (regulation 29). Regular inspection and testing of portable equipment is part of meeting the maintenance duty.
What injuries can be claimed?
Electrical and arc flash burns, heart rhythm problems, nerve damage, eye injuries, injuries from falls after a shock, and psychological injury such as post-traumatic stress. See burns at work claims, eye injuries at work and psychological injury after a work accident.
What should I do after an electric shock?
Get medical checks even if you feel fine, because heart effects can be delayed. Report the accident in writing and make sure it goes in the accident book. Electrical injuries that cause serious harm or an electrical short circuit causing fire or explosion may be reportable to the HSE under RIDDOR. Ask for the equipment to be kept, not repaired or thrown away, so it can be examined.
Who is responsible?
Usually your employer, but contractors who installed or maintained the system, and the occupier of the premises, may also be liable. See subcontractor accidents at work.
Sources
Browse every plain-English guide in the work accident guides hub, or read the main guide to how a claim works.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every claim turns on its own facts. For advice about your specific situation, speak to a regulated solicitor.