NAPIT Supports Ending Shock Silence Report
NAPIT supports the Electrical Training Trust (ETT) and welcomes its recommendations in the alarming Ending Shock Silence report on electrical shocks in the workplace. The report is based on findings from the Electric Shock Survey, a recent study conducted by ETT to understand the frequency and culture of reporting electric shocks at work.
It summarises the findings of a survey completed by almost 350 electrical workers from across Northern Ireland, with 80% revealing they have experienced an electric shock at work and 40% reporting at least three shocks in their careers to date.
It’s a huge concern that of those who have experienced an electric shock, 89% sustained an injury and almost all (95%) required time off work. This statistic highlights the severity and impact that such incidents can have on a person’s life and livelihood.
Despite the frequency of electric shock incidents, almost three-quarters were not reported to employers. This trend of underreporting has been termed ‘shock silence’ by the charity, with the survey finding company culture, ineffective reporting procedures, and time pressures as the three most common reasons staff failed to report an electric shock at work.
Respondents expressed an alarming sentiment that ‘quick jabs’ or ‘small shocks’ are not very serious, and in many ways have come to be viewed as part of the job. We must change this mindset, which is dangerous and potentially life-threatening – not only for electrical workers but for clients and the wider public.
The report includes a number of recommendations regarding health, safety and workplace culture, electrical safety equipment and procedures, education, training and awareness and apprenticeship development.
These include ensuring electrical safety equipment is both readily available and affordable, creating an environment where safety concerns are respected and valued by all team members and standardising electrical safety and electric shock prevention training across all apprenticeship programmes and apprentice training providers.
NAPIT backs these proposals and looks forward to being a part the industry-supported action plan to develop these recommendations.
Frank Bertie, Managing Director at NAPIT said: “The findings of the Electrical Shock Survey are unsettling. It is crucial that more is done to address ‘Shock Silence’ and prevent injuries and in some cases fatalities.
The recommendations surrounding electrical safety equipment and procedure, education training and awareness, apprenticeship development and industry collaboration. To help take action on this, NAPIT will take part in the industry-led working group.
The research demonstrates how critical it is that change is made within industry and highlights how vital it is that proper safety procedures are implemented.
This report conducted by the ETT is a vital piece of industry research. We want to urge NAPIT members, other stakeholders and organisations to support this report and its recommendations.
We look forward to working with the ETT and other stakeholders in the industry-led working group to develop an action plan to reduce the number of electric shock incidents.”
Read the report here.
Article Published:
17 December 2024
napitelectrical safety