Electrical safety at work

Electricity kills and injures people. Around 1000 electrical accidents at work are reported to HSE each year and about 25 people die of their injuries.

Many deaths and injuries arise from:

• use of poorly maintained electrical equipment;
• work near overhead power lines;
• contact with underground power cables during excavation work;
• mains electricity supplies (230 volt);
• use of unsuitable electrical equipment in explosive areas such as car paint spraying booths;

Fires started by poor electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances cause many additional deaths and injuries.

Much of the information on these web pages has been summarised to make it suitable for a wide audience. You should always use the published guidance listed on the Information page when deciding how to work safely and meet the requirements of the law.