SafeWork SA inspectors will target electrical safety in a state-wide crackdown in October as part of a campaign to reduce the risk of electric shocks in the workplace.

The compliance campaign will focus on the inspection and testing of electrical equipment and testing of residual current devices (RCD’s) across all industries.

The campaign coincides with National Safe Work Month and is in response to a rise in electric shock incidents in 2021-22.

Regular visual inspection of electrical equipment can identify obvious damage, wear or other conditions that might make electrical equipment unsafe. But not all defects can be detected visually.

Regular electrical safety testing can detect electrical faults and deterioration that cannot be detected by visual inspection alone.

The nature and frequency of inspection and testing will vary depending on the nature of the workplace, its environment and the risks associated with the electrical equipment.

In 2021-22, SafeWork SA issued 239 statutory notices associated with electrical risks across all industries, up 26 per cent on the previous year.

Nearly three in four statutory notices issued related to a failure by an employer to regularly inspect and test their electrical equipment.

For help ensuring your workplace safety practices are of the highest standard, call the MEA Safety Hotline. Speak direct to an expert, phone 1300 889 198.