Lessons from Recent Electrical Incidents
On the evening of 3 May 2025, a serious incident unfolded at Millfield School in Street, Somerset, when three teenage students came into contact with overhead electrical cables. The boys, aged between 13 and 14, suffered severe injuries, including burns and internal damage, needing immediate medical intervention. Emergency services, including ambulances, an air ambulance, and fire crews, attended the scene. The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) has since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This tragic event highlights that hazards like this can be present even in environments traditionally considered safe, such as schools, and that rigorous safety protocols, regular maintenance of electrical infrastructure, and comprehensive training for accident prevention is critically important.
In the past year, the UK has witnessed several workplace incidents involving electrocution. In September 2024, National Grid Electricity Distribution (South Wales) Plc was fined £3.2 million after a worker suffered life-altering injuries from a 33,000-volt electric shock while working on a pylon in South Wales.
These incidents, among others, highlight the critical need for stringent safety measures, regular risk assessments, and effective hazard reporting systems across all sectors to safeguard individuals from the potentially fatal consequences of electrical hazards.
This article delves into how you can educate and promote a safety culture in your workplace to mitigate such incidents.
Building a Proactive Electrical Safety Culture: Practical Steps for Health and Safety Managers
Health and Safety Managers play a pivotal role in cultivating a culture that prioritises electrical safety.
1. Implement tailored electrical safety training
Develop comprehensive training programmes that address the specific roles and responsibilities within your organisation. For instance, maintenance staff should receive in-depth instruction on lockout/tagout procedures, while office personnel should be educated on the risks of overloaded circuits and the importance of reporting hazards. Regular refresher training ensure that safety knowledge remains current and top-of-mind.
2. Conduct regular risk assessments and safety audits
Systematic evaluations of the workplace can identify potential electrical hazards before they result in incidents. Regular audits and inspections help in recognising areas for improvement and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
3. Utilise the hierarchy of hazard controls
Apply the hierarchy of controls to mitigate electrical risks effectively:
Eliminate or substitute
Eliminate or replace the hazard if possible. This is the most effective solution. Ask yourself is there a safer way to perform the task? Can workers use a less harmful product or use a safer option?
Engineering controls
Is there any equipment or other changes that could be made to the workplace that could make the task safer and therefore reduce the risk?
Administrative
Are there safe work procedures or practices that could reduce the risk?
PPE – Personal Protective Equipment
Is PPE necessary to protect workers, either by itself or in combination with another type of risk or control?
4. Promote open communication and reporting
Encourage a workplace environment where employees feel comfortable reporting electrical hazards or near-misses without fear of reprisal. Implementing anonymous reporting systems can aid in identifying and addressing issues promptly.
5. Leverage technology for training and monitoring
Incorporate technological solutions, such as mobile applications or software platforms, to deliver training modules, track compliance, and monitor safety performance. These tools can provide real-time data and analytics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
6. Engage leadership and promote accountability
Leadership commitment is vital in establishing a safety-first culture. Managers should model safe behaviours, allocate resources for safety initiatives, and hold all levels of staff accountable for adhering to safety protocols.
The Role hazard reporting software for accident prevention
Hazard reporting
Establishing a clear and accessible hazard reporting system encourages employees to report potential dangers promptly. This proactive approach allows for swift corrective actions, preventing accidents before they occur.
Key Takeaways for Health & Safety Managers:
- Encourage vigilance: Empower employees to report hazards immediately, reinforcing that their observations are vital to workplace safety.
- Act promptly: Ensure that reported hazards are assessed and addressed without delay to mitigate risks effectively.
- Continuous improvement: Use hazard reports as opportunities to review and enhance safety protocols and training programs.
Implementing a robust hazard reporting system not only prevents incidents but also fosters a culture of safety and accountability within the organisation.
Take action today!
Enhance your electrical safety today – book a demo of our hazard reporting module and see how simple it is to identify, report, and manage risks before they escalate.
