Electricians are one of the highest injury occupation trades in the construction industry, with an average of 165 injury claims / year. Young workers are especially at risk. This factsheet gives an overview of common injury mechanisms and outlines practical controls to reduce risk and promote safer work practices.
Mechanism of injuries
Age Snapshot
- Young workers are at higher risk:
- 22% of injuries occurred in carpenters 21year-old or under
- 40% were under 26 years old.
- Apprentices made up 20% of injury cases.
Injury claims analysis
Mechanism: Body stressing (26%)
Common causes: Exerting high force when handling heavy items (cable drums, inverters, solar panels, batteries) and pulling cables through conduits; repetitive force when using tool (pliers, crimpers); sustained, awkward postures (overhead work, kneeling, bending) installing electric fittings, particularly in roof spaces and other constrained areas.
Type of injuries: Joint/ muscle / tendon injury, MSD, laceration
Mechanism: Falls, trips, slips (18%)
Common causes: Scaffold failure; Working near a live edge without fall arrest system; Loss of balance while working from ladders or on roofs while handling materials; Positioning ladders on unstable ground; missteps when climbing down ladders, slippery/wet ground conditions, poor housekeeping or lack of maintained walkways (tripping on cables, equipment and other material).
Type of injuries: Joint / muscle / tendon injury, fractures, laceration
Mechanism: Hitting Objects with Body (17%)
Common causes: Contact with sharp edges (metal frames, cable trays, unprotected sharp protrusions); loss of control of tools (knives, grinders); tripping or striking objects (e.g. cable drums); lack of PPE use (cut-resistance gloves when handling sharp items).
Type of injuries: Lacerations, fractures, muscle / tendon injuries
Mechanism: Being hit by moving or falling object (16%)
Common causes: Flying debris from drilling or grinding; falling ceiling components (tiles, fittings); loss of control using power tools (drills, grinders); mishandling heavy items (solar panels, inverters, cable drums).
Type of injuries: Lacerations, fractures, joint / muscle / tendon injury
Mechanism: Heat, electricity, environment (10%)
Common causes: Contact with live fittings (wires, fuse boxes); using damaged tools (frayed power cords); cutting live wires; contact with electrified surfaces.
Type of injuries: Electrocution, burns
Mechanism: Sound & pressure (6%)
Common causes: Prolonged exposure to noisy tools (drills, jackhammers); noisy construction environments.
Type of injuries: Hearing damage