Electricians working near electrical installations or live electrical equipment have been advised to take additional care after one worker suffered a fatal injury.
WorkCover NSW pointed out that under the 2001 Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, employers are required to ensure a safe system of work is in place for all tasks carried out on an electrical installation.
There are a number of risk controls employers should be aware of when considering electrical work – these include assessing adjacent live circuits and ensuring they are de-energised.
Most importantly, electricians have been reminded of the importance of "test before you touch" – that is, ensuring the power supply is de-energised through careful tests and measurements before they begin work.
They have also advised electricians to ensure any unfinished work does not pose a hazard to anyone else in the same workplace.
The warnings were issued after an electrician was fatally electrocuted while installing cables into an energised – or live – switchboard.
Earlier this year, new regulations were introduced to ensure workplaces install a safety switch – also known as residual current devices – to prevent electrical workers from suffering from injuries or fatalities in New South Wales.
When introducing the measures in February, WorkCover NSW pointed out that data from the National Regulatory Impact Statement for the Work Health and Safety Regulations found the number of electrical incidents in states with mandatory safety switches has fallen by 35 per cent as a result of the increased security measures.
If you have suffered an electrical injury at work – or while travelling to and from a job – you may be entitled to compensation.
Speaking to a no win no fee lawyer is an excellent way for you to find out more about what you may be entitled to.
Compensation for injuries suffered at work can take a number of different forms.
For example, you may be entitled to funds that cover medical or rehabilitation expenses, as well as lost income or wages if your injuries render you unable to work for any period of time.
For more serious injuries that leave you permanently unable to work, have impacted your ability to seek future employment or that have had an adverse effect on your overall quality of life, you may find that you qualify for a lump sum compensation payment.
If you have been injured at work, speak to your no win no fee lawyer as soon as possible so your case can be assessed.
