Malcolm Duncan, MD of Super Rod, takes a deep dive into the latest results from the industry-wide safe isolation survey and explains why the sector continues to drive change for a safer future.
Earlier this year, we at Super Rod – as part of an ongoing campaign to improve awareness and understanding of safe isolation in the electrical industry – conducted our largest safe isolation survey to date, with an impressive 2,844 respondents. That’s a 39% increase from the 2022 survey.
This growth reflects the increasing importance of safety in the electrical industry, and we want to extend our gratitude to everyone who took the time to answer the survey honestly.
Your input is invaluable in helping us understand the opportunities and challenges for improving safety practices on-site.
So, what did we learn?
Fatal and non-fatal injuries
According to RIDDOR, there were nine work-related fatalities (six employees and three self-employed) and 155 non-fatal injuries caused by electricity or electrical discharge between 2021 and 2022.
Although these numbers are an improvement from the 2020-2021 data, where 13 fatalities and 228 non-fatal injuries were recorded, they still underscore the dangers of electrical work when proper precautions aren’t taken.
A persistent problem: lack of lockout kits
One of the most concerning statistics from this year’s survey is that 1 in 10 installers still don’t carry a lockout kit in their van or tool bag. This figure has remained unchanged since the 2022 survey, highlighting a continued need for awareness and access to these critical safety tools.
Safe isolation procedures: a mixed picture
Interestingly, 25% of electricians report they rarely or never use a lockout kit to isolate the electrical supply they’re working on. This is again an improvement from 2022’s 28%, but still shows that a quarter of professionals are taking unnecessary risks.
Unsurprisingly, more industrial electricians seem committed to using lockout kits, with 70% stating they would definitely use one compared to 30% of domestic installers. This 4% increase from 2022 suggests that workplace environments might influence attitudes toward safety protocols.
Why don’t installers use lock-out kits?
The 2024 survey results provide insight into why some electricians avoid using lockout kits. The top reasons include:
– 32% work alone, making it challenging to implement full lockout procedures.
– 17% prefer verbal communication with other trades on-site instead of using a lockout kit.
– 10% believe they’ll only be working for a minute or two, down slightly from 11% in 2022.
– 5% think they’re too much hassle to use.
This highlights that while awareness of lockout kits exists, practical barriers still hinder their widespread adoption.
Training and awareness: an opportunity for improvement
Training continues to be a critical component of safe isolation practices. 60% of electricians reported having received a toolbox talk on safe isolation within the last two years, up from 56% in 2022. Of those who participated, 70% found it to be a valuable opportunity to refresh their knowledge, emphasising the importance of ongoing education in reinforcing safe habits.
A collective effort for change
On a positive note, 2024 marks a pivotal year for safe isolation practices, with a collective of companies uniting to improve safety across the industry. This initiative, initially led by Mark Allison, founder of Apprentice 121, has brought together organisations such as IET, NAPIT, NICEIC, ECA, SparkSafe, and Electrical Safety First, along with brands like Super Rod, TIS, Martindale, as well as this esteemed electrical industry publication.
These key players are pooling resources and expertise to promote consistent, clear messages across the industry. Together, they’re driving efforts through trade shows, social media campaigns, educational videos, and in-store awareness programs at wholesalers. The unified campaign is a direct response to the alarming findings from the surveys. By working collaboratively, these companies aim to reduce fatalities and ensure safe isolation becomes a standard practice across the industry.
Looking forward
While progress has been made, the 2024 survey highlights that more work is needed to ensure every electrician adopts safe isolation practices.
With the support of the wider electrical community, including the efforts of the Safe Isolate campaign, we’re confident that the future holds a safer work environment for all.
At Super Rod, we remain committed to raising awareness of these issues and promoting the use of lockout kits to reduce the risk of injury or fatality. As the industry evolves, so must our approach to safety.
Download the free Safe Isolation Survey results infographic here
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