Electrical Accidents at Work

Updated June 2026

Electrical accidents at work can cause severe, immediate, and sometimes life‑changing injuries. When employers fail to control electrical risks, workers face shocks, burns, arc‑flash explosions, and even fatal electrocution. The law places strict duties on employers to maintain safe electrical systems and follow strict safety protocols. If they breach these responsibilities and you suffer harm, you may be able to claim compensation for an accident at work. An electrical injury claim helps you recover losses and to help you during the recovery process.

We partner with personal injury solicitors who are highly experienced in work injury claims – so if this has happened to you or a loved one, contact us to get started.

Keeping Employees Safe

Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent electrical accidents and ensure employees’ safety. Their duties include:

• Risk assessments to identify and control hazards.
• Regular inspections of electrical systems and equipment.
• PAT testing for portable appliances.
• Safe systems of work including lock‑off, signage, and isolation procedures.
• Competent supervision for anyone working with or near electricity.
• Adequate PPE such as insulated gloves, arc‑flash protection, and dielectric footwear.

If your employer failed to meet any of the above and you were injured as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.

Understanding Electrical Accidents at Work

Electrical accidents occur when a worker comes into contact with live electricity or unsafe electrical systems. These incidents often happen because employers fail to follow the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which require them to maintain safe systems, competent staff, and proper control measures.

Common causes include:

• Faulty wiring — Poor installation, ageing cables, or makeshift repairs expose workers to live current.
• Defective equipment — Damaged tools, frayed leads, and untested machinery create hidden hazards.
• Lack of lock‑off procedures — Workers may unknowingly work on energised systems when isolation protocols fail.
• Wet working conditions — Moisture increases conductivity and heightens the severity of shocks.
• Inadequate training — Staff may not understand safe voltage limits, testing procedures, or emergency responses.

Electrical injuries can range from mild shocks to severe burns, nerve damage or even cardiac arrest. Even low‑voltage exposure can cause serious harm.

RIDDOR, Workplace accidents and electricity

There are a variety of electricity-related workplace incidents that must be reported under RIDDOR regulations. These include:

• Accidents that result in a fatality or injury that is serious enough to warrant at least three days of absence from normal work.
• Any work incident that involves electricity and causes a serious accident.

Employees have a duty to report any electrical overload or short circuit that leads to an explosion or fire (regardless of whether it causes any injuries or fatalities).

Can I Make a Personal Injury Claim?

You can usually make a claim for an electrical accident at work if:

• You suffered an electrical injury at work.
• The accident happened within the last three years.
• Someone else’s negligence contributed to the incident which led directly to the harm caused.

Negligence may involve poor maintenance, lack of training, unsafe equipment, or failure to follow legal safety standards. Even if you think you may be partly responsible, you may still claim under the principle of contributory negligence.

What Does Compensation Cover?

A successful claim may typically compensate you for:

• Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
• Loss of earnings and future income
• Medical treatment, rehabilitation, and specialist care
• Scarring and psychological trauma
• Travel costs, medication, and out‑of‑pocket expenses
• Long‑term disability or reduced earning capacity

Electrical injuries often require extended recovery, so compensation aims to support both immediate and future needs.

What Makes Electrical Injury Claims Unique?

• Electrical burns behave differently from thermal burns and often require specialist treatment.
• Arc‑flash explosions can cause blast injuries, hearing loss, and shrapnel wounds.
• Low‑voltage shocks can still cause cardiac complications, neurological symptoms, and long‑term fatigue.
• Delayed symptoms are common, so early medical assessment is crucial.
• Employer liability insurance covers compensation, not the employer personally.

A Quick Guide to Starting an Electrical Accident at Work Claim

1. Report the Accident

Notify your employer and ensure the incident is recorded in the accident book. This creates an essential evidence trail.

2. Seek Medical Attention

A medical record links your injuries directly to the accident. Electrical injuries may not show immediate symptoms, so a proper medical assessment is vital.

3. Gather Evidence

Useful evidence includes:

• Photos of the hazard
• Witness statements
• Faulty equipment
• Training records
• Maintenance logs

The more evidence you collect, the stronger your claim becomes.

4. Get Legal Advice

A specialist solicitor can assess your case, explain your rights, help you to gather evidence and handle the claims process on your behalf.

No Win, No Fee – No Worry

Most electrical accident claims proceed on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning you only pay if your claim succeeds. We partner with a panel of solicitors who offer an initial, free consultation to assess your claim.

As each claim is unique, they are able to estimate potential compensation for your claim.

Why Electrical Accidents Are Often Preventable

Most electrical injuries occur because simple safety steps were ignored. Regular testing, proper isolation, and competent supervision dramatically reduce risk. When employers cut corners, serious accidents may follow. Claiming compensation not only supports your recovery but also encourages safer practices for everyone.

FAQs About Electrical Accident Claims

What if I’m an agency worker?

You can still claim. Liability may fall on the host employer, the agency, or both, depending on who controlled your working environment.

What if the equipment was old but still in use?

Age is not an excuse. Employers must maintain equipment in a safe condition and replace it when necessary.

Can I claim if I didn’t receive proper training?

Yes. Lack of training is one of the most common grounds for electrical injury claims.

Do I need to go to court?

Most claims settle without a court hearing. Court is only needed if liability is disputed or negotiations break down.

How long does a claim take?

Straightforward claims may settle within months. Complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability may take longer.

Will my employer be angry if I make a claim?

You are within your rights to make a claim for compensation if you’ve been injured at work through no fault of your own. Your employer is not legally allowed to dismiss you. However it’s worth knowing that claims are generally dealt with by your employer’s insurance company and not directly with your employer.

How We Can Help

If your employer has acted in a negligent manner you may be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation against them. Contact us to check if you have a valid claim with a free, no-obligation consultation.

Our friendly team is on hand to help with your claim : call us at 0333 358 3034 or visit our Contact Us Page to learn more and we can call you back at a time suitable for you.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.