Common Safety Mistakes in Electrical Work (and How to Avoid Them)
Electrical installation work involves high risks, both in low and medium voltage. Despite improvements in standards, protective equipment and technical training, serious accidents still occur, often caused by basic safety failures. This article highlights the most common safety mistakes in electrical work and explains how to prevent them.
03 November 2025
Did you know…?
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), more than 20,000 workers have been injured in electrical accidents at the workplace over the past ten years, highlighting that electrical hazards remain one of the leading causes of occupational injuries. (source)
This data underscores the importance of following correct technical procedures and using appropriate protective equipment before starting any electrical work.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), more than 20,000 workers have been injured in electrical accidents at the workplace over the past ten years, highlighting that electrical hazards remain one of the leading causes of occupational injuries. (source)
This data underscores the importance of following correct technical procedures and using appropriate protective equipment before starting any electrical work.
1. Working on an installation without ensuring it is fully de‑energised
UA critical error is beginning electrical work without ensuring that power is completely switched off. Misidentified circuits, alternative power supplies, or returns can leave parts of the installation energised, exposing the technician to the risk of direct contact.
Recommended procedures include:
UA critical error is beginning electrical work without ensuring that power is completely switched off. Misidentified circuits, alternative power supplies, or returns can leave parts of the installation energised, exposing the technician to the risk of direct contact.
Recommended procedures include:
- Cutting power using the appropriate protective device (circuit breaker, switch disconnector or main switch)
- Implementing Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) where applicable
- Clearly marking the work area with signs and physical barriers
2. Failing to Verify That There Is No Voltage (Voltage Absence Test)
Relying on switching off the power alone is insufficient from a technical safety perspective. Checking that there is no voltage present is mandatory before touching conductors or live components.
Good practices include:
Relying on switching off the power alone is insufficient from a technical safety perspective. Checking that there is no voltage present is mandatory before touching conductors or live components.
Good practices include:
- Using certified voltage detectors suitable for the installation’s voltage class
- Testing the detector before and after use
- Confirming absence of voltage on all conductors, including neutral and earth
3. Inadequate or Missing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Not using PPE is one of the main causes of accidents. Even short tasks can expose workers to dangerous voltages or electrical arcs. Recommended PPE for electrical work includes:
Not using PPE is one of the main causes of accidents. Even short tasks can expose workers to dangerous voltages or electrical arcs. Recommended PPE for electrical work includes:
- Insulating gloves appropriate for the installation’s rated voltage
- Helmet with dielectric barrier and face protection
- Safety footwear with certified electrical insulation
- Arc‑rated clothing (category CAT, according to IEC/EN 61482‑2)
4. Non‑insulated or Worn Tools
Tools without proper insulation, or with visible damage, pose a risk of direct electrical contact.
Technical recommendations include:
Tools without proper insulation, or with visible damage, pose a risk of direct electrical contact.
Technical recommendations include:
- Using only certified insulated tools rated for the specific voltage
- Regularly inspecting tool insulation
- Replacing tools immediately if cracks, wear, or expired certification are found
5. Underestimating the Risk of Arc Flash
An arc flash is a high‑energy phenomenon that occurs during short circuits or improper contact with live equipment. It can cause severe thermal burns, eye injuries, and hearing damage even without direct contact.
Preventive measures include:
An arc flash is a high‑energy phenomenon that occurs during short circuits or improper contact with live equipment. It can cause severe thermal burns, eye injuries, and hearing damage even without direct contact.
Preventive measures include:
- Assessing arc flash risk in advance using incident energy calculations (heat emitted in kJ/cm²)
- Wearing PPE specifically designed for arc flash protection
- Avoiding live operations and maintaining safety distances as recommended by IEC/EN standards
6. Lack of Technical Planning Before Intervention
Starting electrical work without prior analysis of the installation conditions greatly increases the risk of accidents.
Essential planning steps:
Starting electrical work without prior analysis of the installation conditions greatly increases the risk of accidents.
Essential planning steps:
- Evaluate electrical risk, including voltage, current and residual energies
- Select appropriate PPE and tools
- Plan the sequence of work, including isolation and grounding procedures
- Ensure adequate workspace, lighting and site signage
Explore Electrical Protective Equipment
For professionals who want to work safely with electricity, we recommend checking out our range of protective equipment. This line includes dielectric gloves, insulated helmets, tools, and certified PPE for low and medium voltage.
For professionals who want to work safely with electricity, we recommend checking out our range of protective equipment. This line includes dielectric gloves, insulated helmets, tools, and certified PPE for low and medium voltage.