The number of electric shocks on South Australian construction sites has skyrocketed over the past two years.

SafeWork SA has issued warnings to the State’s construction workers after 348 notifications associated with electric shock incidents were issues in 2021-22. That number was up nine per cent on the 2020-21 year and 38 per cent more than the 252 notifications in 2019-20.

In 2021-22 the construction industry accounted for 24 per cent of all shock notifications.

SafeWork SA must be notified when a workplace exposes any person to a series risk resulting from an immediate or imminent exposure to an electric shock, even if no one is injured. Inspectors have worked with the construction industry stakeholders and union partners, to publish new guidance material on electrical work and electrical risks at the workplace following the new figures.

The types of electrical safety issues identified, include:

• portable electrical equipment that has not been inspected and maintained (tested and tagged)
• residual current devices (RCDs) that have not been inspected and tested at the required intervals
• workers breaching the “No Go Zone” of overhead powerlines
• unidentified live permanent wiring
• electrical equipment or wiring that has not been de-energised when working on or near it
• construction switchboards that are not installed or maintained in a safe manner, and
• safe work method statements (SWMS) that are missing, inadequate or not followed when undertaking work on or near energised electrical installation or services.

SafeWork SA reminds persons conducting a business or undertaking that workers and others must not be exposed to electrical risks.

Master Electricians can access safety documentation and have unlimited access to the MEA Safety Hotline. Phone 1300 889 198 today.

READ MORE

• SA solar installers not using fall protection
• What to know when considering selling your business
• Solar PV cables Standard deadline extended