REVIEWING ELECTRICAL SAFETY RISK

Among the most frequent questions Engenuity Solutions receive from electrical contractor clients are ‘what are the key or most relevant electrical safety risks in our business?’ or ‘what gaps do we have in achieving compliance to legislation?’. Whilst most electrical contractors have identified their key risks and implemented relevant controls, they might not be aware of all the safety risks they may encounter or possibly have not addressed all of their duties under the legislation.?

What does it mean for electrical contractor companies in QLD?

Failing to comply with legislation can lead to both disciplinary action and/or prosecution by the Qld Electrical Licensing Committee (ELC).? The ELC will commence disciplinary action to remedy a breach of the Act or Regulations, where there is evidence of a serious breach.?

The Electrical Licensing Committee take disciplinary action for a range of reasons including:?

• Performing unsafe or incompetent electrical work?
• Supplying incorrect or misleading information to obtain a licence?
• Not complying with the licence requirements??
• Committing an offence under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld)?

Disciplinary Actions - What impact can that have on the electrical contractor???

The Electrical Licensing Committee take a range of disciplinary action including:?

• Cancelling or amending a licence?
• Suspending a licence?
• Putting conditions on a licence?

• Imposing fines?
• Ordering electrical contractors to correct faults or defects?

To gain some insights into the actions taken by the ELC the risks, Engenuity has conducted a review of the 2023 disciplinary actions data published by the ELC on the Queensland WorkSafe website. There was a total of 69 disciplinary actions initiated throughout the year (it should be noted that one incident can lead to the contractor receiving multiple resulting actions). A summary of the data can be represented by the following graphs to highlight some key results.?

What about Prosecutions??

There was seven prosecutions initiated during 2023 occurring from a breach of the Electrical Safety Act. The penalty issued by the Court ranged from $4,000 to $300,000 with a median value of $40,000.??

?The failures occurred from:?

• Failure to control risks?

• Working outside restricted refrigeration and air conditioning licence conditions?
• Inadequate supervision of an apprentice?
• Unlicensed electrical work?
• Non-compliant installation?
• Failure to ensure works are electrically safe?

?It is critical that all companies understand the hazards associated with their operations to effectively control and minimise the risks So Far As Is Reasonably Practicable (SFARP). Further those who maintain an electrical contractor's licence must meet their obligations to have safe systems of work that are put into effect and managed well.

If you have any questions, Engenuity has extensive experience in safety management systems and electrical safety audits throughout Australia to ensure compliance and provide professional advice. We also have experience in completing audits to address the requirements of the Electrical Licensing Commission infringements, Engenuity are well placed to assist companies throughout Qld and other Australian jurisdictions.?

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