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What Should You Do First After an Electrical Hazard Injury?

  • Nov 24, 2023
  • 4 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Electrical hazards are a prevalent danger in many industries and can lead to serious injuries, even fatalities. Whether you're working with electricity or simply near electrical sources, it's crucial to understand what to do in case of an electrical accident.


In this article, we will explore the immediate steps you should take after getting hurt from electrical hazards, along with essential safety measures to prevent such incidents.



electrical hazards


Understanding Electrical Hazards


Electrical hazards encompass a range of dangers, from electrical shocks and burns to electrical fires. According to the “Electrical and gas accidents 2021 annual report” from WorkSafe, electrical accidents are responsible for a significant number of workplace injuries and fatalities.


This report includes accident data and records since 1993, emphasising the importance of exercising caution when working with electricity and gas, and understanding the potential consequences of electrical accidents.


‘More than 55% of the accidents involving the general public in the last 29 years occurred in a domestic environment, resulting in 30 fatalities (60%) and injuries to 131 people (53%).’ — Electrical and gas accidents 2021 annual report

Energy Safety is part of WorkSafe. It plays a crucial role in promoting electrical safety and regulatory compliance across New Zealand, operating under the Electricity Act 1992. Energy Safety is committed to upholding high safety standards and regulations in the electrical industry.



The Immediate Response


  1. Ensure Personal Safety:

    The first priority is your safety. If you or someone else is hurt by an electrical hazard, move away from the source if possible. Do not attempt to rescue the victim if you are at risk as well.


  1. Shut Off the Power Source:

    If it can be done safely, turn off the electrical power. This may involve unplugging equipment or switching off circuit breakers.


  1. Call for Help:

    Dial emergency services immediately (111 or your local equivalent) to request medical assistance. Electrical accidents can lead to cardiac arrest or other life-threatening conditions.


  1. Begin First Aid:

    If the victim is unconscious, not breathing, or doesn't have a pulse, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you are trained to do so. CPR can save lives in the critical moments before medical professionals arrive.


  1. Avoid Direct Contact:

    Never touch a victim of electrical shock if you are uncertain whether the power source has been disconnected. Rescuing someone from electrical danger should only be attempted if you can do so safely.


  1. Wait for Professionals:

    Allow qualified electricians and medical personnel to assess and treat the situation. Even if the victim appears unharmed, it's essential to seek medical evaluation as electrical injuries may not always be immediately apparent.



Be Prepared for Electrical Emergencies


When electrical injuries occur, having the right emergency equipment and trained personnel onsite can make a critical difference in the first few minutes of an incident.


At TESTntel, we help businesses improve workplace emergency preparedness through a range of first aid and safety support services, including:


We provide workplace first aid kits, refill kits, inspections and maintenance services to help ensure first aid supplies remain complete, accessible and ready for emergency situations.



Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can play a life-saving role during sudden cardiac arrest emergencies caused by electrical incidents.


TESTntel offers AED inspection, performance verification, replacement support and maintenance services to help ensure AED units remain compliant and operational.



Onsite AED & First Aid Training

We also support businesses with onsite AED awareness and first aid training services, helping staff improve confidence and preparedness when responding to workplace emergencies.


Creating a safer workplace is not only about preventing hazards — it is also about ensuring teams are prepared to respond quickly and effectively when incidents occur.




Preventing Electrical Injuries


Preventing electrical injuries is as important as knowing how to respond when they occur.


  • Safe Practices: Proper training and adherence to safety procedures are paramount. Individuals should be adequately trained to work around electricity and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential.


  • Education: Encourage employees or individuals to undergo electrical safety training to improve awareness and safe practices.


  • Inspection and Maintenance: Regularly inspect electrical systems for signs of damage or wear. Faulty equipment or frayed cords should be promptly repaired or replaced.


  • Choose an Expert for Compliance Testing: When it comes to electrical compliance testing, it's wise to rely on experts. Choosing a certified professional ensures that your electrical systems are regularly inspected, tested, and maintained to meet safety standards.


For professional electrical compliance testing, contact TESTntel at customer.service@testntel.co.nz or call us at 0800 837 8824 to guarantee the safety and integrity of your electrical systems.


To learn more about TESTntel services, visit our website at www.testntel.co.nz.


TESTntel Auckland Head Office Location: 4 Kitson Place, Saint Johns

TESTntel Auckland Head Office Location: 4 Kitson Place, Saint Johns



Additional Safety Tips


In addition to the immediate response and prevention measures, consider these safety tips:


• Use Appropriate PPE: Depending on the task, use PPE such as insulated gloves, eye protection and flame-resistant clothing to minimise the risk of electrical injuries.


• Maintain a Safe Working Distance: Stay a safe distance from live electrical sources. Maintain proper clearance to reduce the risk of electrical arcs.


• Be Vigilant Around Water: Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Exercise extra caution when working with electrical devices near water sources.


• Follow Electrical Safety Guidelines: Adherence to electrical safety regulations and guidelines is crucial to minimising risks. Ensure that all work complies with safety standards and local regulations.





In the event of an electrical injury, the immediate response is critical. Taking the right steps can save lives and reduce the severity of injuries. Equally important is the prevention of electrical accidents. By promoting safe practices, regular maintenance, and education, individuals and organizations can reduce the likelihood of electrical hazards.


Prioritising electrical safety is a shared responsibility. It is essential for everyone, whether at home or in the workplace, to understand the potential dangers and know how to respond effectively.


The following content from TESTntel is provided as general information. TESTntel does not accept any liability for its accuracy or completeness. Visitors using this information do so at their own risk.



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