Electricity is a constant hazard in the workplace with the risk to potentially injure or kill a person.
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU – the new term that includes employers) has a duty to ensure that any risk of injury from electricity at a place of work is eliminated or, if this is not reasonably practicable, controlled.
The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation) provides definitions for:
The WHS Regulation also sets out specific requirements for:
There are additional duties for PCBU using electrical equipment and installations on construction and demolition sites. These PCBUs must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3012:2010 Electrical installations - Construction and demolition sites.
The draft code of practice Managing electrical risks at the workplace provides more information about electrical work and risk controls.
Call 13 10 50 for more information about electrical safety.