From power tools to overhead power lines, electricity is everywhere on construction sites.
Although the risks are well understood, these elements are so commonplace that it is easy to overlook the significant hazard they can pose. That is why electrocution remains a significant concern in construction projects across Australia. What is more concerning is that most jobsite electrocutions stem from preventable causes.
The most common causes of electrocution on jobsites
No matter how small it appears, every electrical system can cause serious harm. Between 2023 and 2024, 11 electrical deaths from 10 incidents were recorded across Australia and New Zealand.
Of those electrocuted, 27 per cent were electrical workers, 37 per cent were non-electrical workers, and 37 per cent were members of the general public. Therefore, the risk of workplace electrical fatalities is still very real.
The most common causes of electrocution on jobsites include:
- Working near overhead power lines. These lines can be uninsulated and carry extremely high voltage. There were seven distribution network-related deaths caused by six electrical incidents from 2023 to 2024, all linked to overhead conductor incidents.
- Hitting underground electrical lines. Construction work often involves excavation and trenching, which can cause workers to encounter live buried lines carrying extremely high voltage. When this happens, it can lead to electrocution, fires or explosions.
- Improper use of electrical tools. Electrocution often occurs when crews fail to use electrical tools properly. Using indoor-rated tools outdoors, overloaded power bars, shop-made adapters and worn cords can all remove built-in safety protections. These usually happen on busy jobsites, particularly when teams are rushing or power sources are limited.
- Poor or missing grounding. According to the United States’ OSHA, grounding problems are a repeat cause of electrocution. These incidents usually involve damaged cords, missing ground prongs or tools that have been repaired incorrectly. Without a proper ground path, any fault can cause current to flow through the worker holding the equipment.
- No ground-fault protection. Construction jobs that rely on temporary power, older outlets or shared extension cords can be very vulnerable to electrocution. If a tool has a short circuit or a damaged cord, the current can pass through someone unless a residual current device (RCD) stops it.
What electrocution can do to the body
There are generally four primary types of injuries caused by electrical currents. These include burns, falls caused by direct contact, electric shock and electrocution.
The effects of electrocution can vary depending on the type of electricity, its source and its amount.
Low-voltage electricity under 500 volts typically causes superficial burns, but it can also lead to serious damage. On the other hand, high-voltage electricity can lead to injury and even death.
Numbness, tingling and pain are some of the most common symptoms of electrocution. In more severe cases, those who get exposed to electricity may also experience abdominal pain, chest pains, seizures, or difficulties in vision and hearing.
Without proper treatment, electrocution can lead to dangerous complications, such as coma, memory loss, mental issues like PTSD, respiratory arrest and internal injuries.
How to avoid electrocution on jobsites
Electrocution on jobsites is not typically the result of extreme circumstances. They can happen because teams skip inspections, multiple trades overlap, weather changes or complacency occurs. These situations are why safety standards are incredibly strict in all types of construction projects. Here are some ways construction workers can lower their risk of electrocution on any jobsite.
Wear protective equipment
Wearing proper protective equipment (PPE) can help protect workers in case contact occurs. Although it does not replace safe practices, it — alongside electrical training — can lessen the chance of an incident.
The main PPE for electrical hazards includes insulated gloves and dielectric protection footwear, as well as goggles and helmets. Ensure the equipment meets the standards the WHS Regulations has set.
Verify and map all electrical lines before work
Before any equipment moves into position, a complete site walk-through is essential. This gives people the opportunity to locate overhead lines and mark them clearly, especially in tight spaces where cranes, lifts or scaffolding will be in operation. They should always assume every overhead line is energised, even if it looks inactive.
If the construction project involves digging, it should always begin with a utility locate request, followed by a detailed review of the markings on the ground.
Since conditions can shift due to weather, soil movement or previous work, it is essential to remain vigilant for inconsistencies.
Use ground-fault protection and maintain proper grounding
With temporary power setups exposed to constant wear, heat, vibration, moisture and rough handling, using RCD is nonnegotiable.
Also known as safety switches, these devices work by shutting off the power quickly if something goes wrong. By doing so, it prevents the current from causing serious injury.
Grounding — which means all cords and tools have a safe path to follow — is just as important. Ensure staff avoid shortcuts such as modifying cords, using adaptors or removing ground prongs, as these actions create direct shock risks.
Apply formal lockout/tagout procedures
Any jobsite must have a strict lockout/tagout procedure in place. It could include assigning responsibility for each circuit, using physical locks instead of tape, having clear communication and maintaining a shared log that spans all trades.
Preventing electrocution on any jobsite
The risk of electrocution is present on any jobsite, but in most cases, it is preventable. Workers can protect themselves by using proper equipment, following safe practices and staying aware of their surroundings.