While initiatives such as the ECA’s Zero Accident Potential (ZAP) scheme are undoubtedly having an impact on the industry’s performance at the top end, the latest statistics on fatalities from the Health and Safety Executive highlight that the electrical sector as a whole continues to show scant regard for human life (page 7).

Ten lives were lost last year while carrying out electrical installation work. Worryingly, and contrary to previous years, seven of these deaths were down to electrocution, not previously perceived to be the area of greatest risk to operatives. Falls from height is where most of the effort is placed in terms of good practice advice; three deaths were from falls last year.

Most of these fatalities are within firms outside of the ECA. The Association is currently analysing accident statistics to ascertain whether or not members are safer than other electrical contractors.

At last the Government has taken action against dangerous work in the domestic sector, introducing Part P into the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Regulations in an attempt to eradicate the loss of life from poor electrical work in the home by cowboy contractors (pages 9 and 51-54). Let’s hope we see a difference in next year’s accident statistics.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor