Electrical accidents are common, if not unavoidable, in the manufacturing environment. Learn about five common causes and how to solve them.

1. Electrical Accidents
Five CommonCauses Related to a Lack ofTraining

2. No Training
• The worker in question has inadequate training to perform the tasks
at hand
• Example: In one case, an untrained worker was ordered to work on an
electrical control panel. Because the worker had never been trained,
they attempted worked on a live panel and got an electrical shock
• The worker sustained severe burns to their face and arms, while the
employer was both prosecuted and fined
• With adequate training, this worker would have known to isolate the
circuit before beginning work, avoiding the accident altogether

3. Person NotCompetent
• Example: Though a worker had received some training, the
employer did not realize that they weren’t knowledgeable
perform the task. They wired a machine incorrectly, and
electrical shock in the process
• Although competent people were available to perform the task, the employee was
assigned and expected to complete the job, resulting in serious bodily injuries
• All employees should be proven competent at their jobs for
safety and the safety of others
• The Memorandum of Guidance on the Electricity at Work
Regulations articulates the minimum standard of worker
competency for electrical personnel

4. InadequatelyIsolating Circuits
• Example: An electrician received a severe electrical shock
when working on building refurbishments. The electrical
wasn’t properly isolated and locked out, causing the
• No management system was in place to monitor the isolation of
• As a result, the company was prosecuted and fined
• Businesses need to have safety systems in place to monitor
isolation of electrical circuits
• Workers should have enough training and experience to
isolate, lockout and test for no voltage potential on circuits
beginning work

5. Unsafe Rulesand Training
• Example: One worker received a shock of 33,000 volts
when they climbed a live apparatus in a substation
• The company did not have adequate demarcations of safe /
zones, leading the worker to believe the apparatus was dead and
safe to climb
• No training of the staff concerning safety zones
• The shock resulted in the amputation of both the worker’s arms
company receiving a fine of about $90,000
• Employers should ensure that working methods, materials,
worker training meet the minimum safety standards
• For the minimum safety standards, view the free HSE
“Controlling the Risks in the Workplace”

6. Workingon Live ElectricalEquipment
• Example: After receiving a shock, an employee’s heart stopped
while working live on electrical equipment
• The equipment should have been isolated and locked out before the
• Due to the worker’s under-training and incompetency, the equipment
• Although their heart was resuscitated, the worker suffered severe brain
from the accident.
• Personnel must be trained sufficiently on how to isolate,
for no voltage potential before beginning work in order to
• If even one worker cannot tell the difference between a live and
circuit, every worker is in danger

7. TheSimutechSolution
• The SimutechTraining System offers real-life training simulations for
electrical troubleshooting
• Gain hands-on experience troubleshooting electrical problems in a
safe and fun environment
• Solve a variety of electrical faults/problems from troubleshooting
basic electrical circuits to complex industrial controls
• Other materials available include videos, flowcharts, and writing
diagrams
• Course Manager tracks each user’s progress and provides feedback