HSE’s RIDDOR Data Set – Contact with Electricity
This information is available to download from within the current HSE RIDDOR Data set covering 2014 to 2023, and includes all:
- Fatal
- Non-fatal
- Dangerous Occurrences
These statistics relate to workplace incidents only, not incidents involving members of the public.
RIDDOR Definitions:
Fatal incident
- All work-related deaths of employees and self-employed operatives
Non-fatal incident
- Pre-defined injuries (10% Burns, loss of sight plus 6 other categories)
- Over 7 days lost time injuries
Dangerous Occurrence
Any explosion or fire caused by an electrical short circuit or overload (including those resulting from accidental damage to the electrical plant) which either:
- Results in the stoppage of the plant involved for more than 24 hours
- Or causes a significant risk of death
HSE Statistics
- Over 9 years very little improvement overall!
- On average around 470 incidents a year (reported)!
- 47 Fatal Incidents over the period!
- 1789 lost time Incidents resulting in 7 days or more away from the workplace!
- Alarming Increase from 2020!
Sectors
Possibly more concerning are the sectors where there are a significant number of incidents. Four sectors make up 60% of all Fatal and non-fatal incidents across the nine years. These being:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale & Retail Trade
- Accommodation & food services
Most Common forms of contact with Electricity according to the HSE:
- Unsafe Systems of Work / Unsafe Rules
- Inadequate information / No Training
- Person not competent
- Inadequate Isolation
- Poor Control of Work Activities / Failure to manage work
- Live Working / Uninsulated electrical wiring
- Unsuitable test equipment
