ETT NEWS
L-R: (back row) Alfie Waterson, ECA, Richard Harvey, ESF, Dr Bryan Monson, HSENI, Frank Bertie and Andrew Duffen, NAPIT, and John Cully, NICEIC, and (front row) David Powell, ESF, Eddie Arrowsmith, Certsure, Paul Chaffers, Hager UK, Charlotte Bamber, ETT, Louise Adamson, Michael’s Story, and Steve Humphreys, NAPIT.
INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS INCLUDING EMPLOYERS, SUPPLIERS, ELECTRICAL WORKERS, CLIENTS AND COLLEGES ARE URGED TO ACTIVELY ENGAGE WITH ETT TO IMPROVE WORKER SAFETY… ETT report reveals majority of NI electrical workers suffer electric shocks
An alarming 80% of electrical workers in Northern Ireland have experienced electric shocks on the job, with nearly three-quarters of incidents going unreported. The findings, unveiled at ETT’s annual ‘Stay Connected’ NI Electrical Industry event at Galgorm Resort & Spa, shed light on critical safety failings within the industry, highlighting what it has termed a culture of ‘shock silence.’ The report summarises the findings of a survey completed by almost 350 electrical workers from across NI, with 80% revealing they have experienced an electric shock at work and 40% reporting at least three shocks in their careers to date. It’s alarming to note that of those who have experienced an electric shock, 89% sustained an injury and almost all (95%) required time off work. This statistic highlights the severity and impact that such incidents can have on a person’s life and livelihood. Despite the frequency of electric shock incidents, almost three-quarters were not reported to employers. This trend of underreporting has been termed ‘shock silence’ by the charity, with the survey
finding company culture, ineffective reporting procedures, and time pressures as the three most common reasons staff failed to report an electric shock at work. Respondents expressed an alarming sentiment that ‘quick jabs’ or ‘small shocks’ are not very serious, and in many ways have come to be viewed as part of the job. This mindset, which is dangerous and potentially life-threatening, must be changed – not only for electrical workers but for clients and the wider public. The report has already sparked important conversations and actions. One of the key findings from the report is the failure to carry out safe isolation procedures using ‘lock-off’ kits – a key safety measure in electric shock prevention. Following the electric shock survey and findings, ETT has announced a partnership with Electrical Safety First to provide free safe isolation ‘lock-off’ kits to approximately
the Ending ‘Shock Silence’ report. HSENI fully supports ETT in their vital work to highlight these dangers and implement strategies to prevent such incidents.” By providing lock-off kits, ETT aims to embed safe working practices from the start of an electrician’s career and establish safe isolation as an ingrained habit. The industry must work towards creating a safety conscious culture where all electric shock incidents are reported, investigated and prevented in the future. Every report of an electric shock is a step towards a safer working environment for everyone. ETT wants to engage with industry to create an action plan to not only target underreporting, but to significantly reduce the number of electric shocks occurring in the first place. It is calling on industry stakeholders including employers, suppliers, electrical workers, clients and colleges to actively engage with ETT to ensure all views are heard. To obtain a copy of the Ending ‘Shock Silence’ report, or to find out more about the industry-led working group, email
450 first-year Level 3 electrical installation apprentices in NI.
Dr Bryan Monson, Deputy Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive for NI, said, “HSENI is deeply concerned about the alarming number of electrical workers experiencing electric shocks and related injuries, as revealed by the findings of
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