Safe Work Australia has recently released its latest data highlighting the significant risks faced by the more than 131,900 electricians working across the country. The report underscores the dangers inherent in the profession, particularly in relation to electrocution and falls from heights, which have been the leading causes of fatalities in the past decade. Tragically, 44 electricians have lost their lives to work-related injuries over this period, with 52% of these fatalities caused by electrocution. These statistics demonstrate a persistent danger in the trade, underscoring the need for continuous safety improvements.
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Understanding the workforce

The latest census data shows the electrician workforce is predominantly male (98%) and relatively young, with 52% of electricians under the age of 35. The also sector continues to struggle with a shortage of skilled electricians, as outlined by recent findings from Jobs and Skills Australia. On average, electricians work longer hours, clocking 42 hours per week, which exceeds the average across other occupations. This combination of youth and extended work hours contributes to the unique risk profile in this profession.  
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The high-risk nature of their work is reflected in the serious injury claims data.
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Key risks and injury statistics

Electricians face numerous risks in their daily work, with Safe Work Australia's data revealing that they experience significantly higher exposure to job-related hazards compared to other occupations. “Body stressing"—related to musculoskeletal issues from manual tasks such as lifting, bending, and awkward body positioning—account for 35.1% of serious claims. Furthermore, the frequency of serious claims related to electrocution is six times higher for electricians than the average across all occupations.  
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Electricians also face significant risks from falls while working at heights, which often result in serious injuries and prolonged recovery times. Over the past ten years, falls from heights have contributed to 9 fatalities. Serious claims related to falls from heights result in extended recovery times and higher compensation costs, with a median of 3.4 weeks longer recovery and $5,201 higher compensation than other claims.
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Minimising risks and enhancing safety

To mitigate these risks, Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) must implement effective safety measures that address potential hazards. A key resource in this effort is AS/NZS 3000:2018, Electrical Installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules), which provides essential guidelines to help guide electrical safety, including provisions for working at heights.  
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Following the latest standards, along with staying up-to-date with the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, offers a comprehensive approach to managing electrical hazards and reducing workplace injuries.
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George Sfinas, Engagement Manager at Standards Australia, emphasises the importance of adhering to these standards: “Access to key standards like AS/NZS 3000:2018 plays an important role in maintaining safety in the high-risk environment of electrical work. For small businesses and sole traders, Standards Australia offers various options to access key standards related to electrical work and safety. Our Electrical Installations Set, which includes ten core electrical standards, provides an affordable way to access these important documents - including a new mobile app option (for mobile only access)”.
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Conclusion

Electricians operate in a hazardous environment, making it essential to continuously assess and address risks through proper safety protocols and adherence to industry standards. By following comprehensive safety guidelines, such as those outlined in AS/NZS 3000:2018, we can work towards reducing the incidence of workplace injuries and fatalities in this high-risk profession.
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AS/NZS 3000:2018 and the Electrical Installations Set are available via the Standards Australia Store and our distribution partners.

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Safe Work Australia WHS Profile: Electricians (2024), https://data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/profile/whs-profile-electricians 

Safe Work Australia, Key Work Health & Safety Statistics (2023), https://data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/insights/key-whs-stats-2023 

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