If you work with electricity, there is a higher risk of sustaining electricity-related injuries. In such workplaces, it is important to instill safety protocols that ensure the safety of workers and your projects. Electricity related incidents are extremely common in the UK. 

In 2022, contact with electricity or electrical discharge was one of the leading causes of fatal workplace injuries in the UK (Statista, 2022). You can also sustain electrical injuries by handling electrical products. 

To avoid these issues, it is important for business owners to set electrical safety parameters. For more information about electricity-specific dangers, here are some important statistics about electrical safety. 

Electrical Safety Statistics At A Glance

Electrical products are all around us, and we interact with them on a daily basis. Most people often don’t think about the dangers related to these products; however, it is important to keep electrical safety guidelines in mind when interacting with electrical equipment. 

If you work in a field where you have to use electrical equipment, it is especially important to practice safety guidelines. Here are some important figures that highlight the need for electrical safety. 

• On a global level, 1.2 million people sustain electrical accident-related injuries every year (Health Electrical Services, 2022). This incredibly high number shows just how common it is to sustain electrical injuries. As mentioned before, we interact with electrical equipment daily, and this increases our risk of electrical injuries. Due to this figure, it is crucial that people learn and practice electrical safety guidelines. Electrical accidents can happen to any demographic, but children and vulnerable adults are more likely to suffer long-lasting damage from these injuries. If you have any pets that can come into contact with electrical equipment, it is important to ensure their safety.
• Workplace safety is another important area to look into. Over 1,000 electricity-related accidents are reported to the HSE every year. Thirty of these accidents lead to fatal injuries (Health Electrical Services, 2022). Apart from domestic electrical incidents, workplaces are also areas where electrical guidelines should be practiced. Workplaces that frequently use electrical equipment, such as construction sites, workshops, warehouses, etc., should have strict electrical safety guidelines. Since these areas often lead to fatal electrical injuries, business owners should implement several accident prevention methods. Even in low-risk office spaces, employee safety should be safeguarded against electrical incidents. 
• In Ireland, there were 40 electrocutions or deaths associated with electricity between 2001 and 2020. Out of this figure, 25 deaths were associated with work activity. The remaining 15 occurred in domestic situations, or they were a result of vandalism, trespassing, or a fallen overhead power line. (HSA 2022). With this figure, we can see that electrical injuries can have in several environment. To avoid these hazards, it is important for health ad safety government sectors to implement overall electrical safety guidelines that ensure the safety of the population. 
• Electrical safety is a major concern in many households. Faulty electrical equipment and sockets cause approximately 70 deaths and 350,000 injuries in UK homes every year (RHA, 2022). This figure shows just how important it is to follow electrical safety guidelines. Since these incidents are so common, there is a higher risk of fatalistic injuries. An average home has multiple electrical components and devices. Therefore it is important that every individual practice electrical safety guidelines prevent any incidents from happening. 
• Apart from electrocution, electrical incidents can also lead to house fires. Electricity is the biggest contributor to accidental fires, affecting over 20,000 homes yearly. (Electrical Safety First, 2022). Electrical incidents, if not handled appropriately, can lead to even more devasting incidents. It is important that you not only set down electrical safety guidelines but also invest in fireproofing your home. These measures are a great way to prevent small incidents from escalating and causing fatal injuries. 
• Not all electrical products lead to house fires; however, there are a few devices to take note of. These devices include electrical cooking appliances (such as microwaves and cookers, laundry appliances, electrical lighting, portable heaters, and televisions. In total, these devices are responsible for approximately 12,000 fires and 3,000 electrical injuries every year. (Electrical Safety First, 2022). Most people have one or more of these devices in their homes; therefore, it is important always to be mindful of any possible accidents that could happen. Prevention is always important in these situations however, if an accident does occur, you should keep in mind quick ways to de-escalate the situation. Another great way to prevent such incidents is by investing in fireproof products. Many electrical devices come with fireproofing to prevent any incidents from happening. 
• As mentioned, electrical incidents were one of the leading causes of fatal injuries in 2022. Electrical accidents can branch out and escalate into other injuries therefore, it is important to take note of these as well. Incidents related to electricity include contact with machinery and exposure to fire. (Statista, 2022). With this statistic, we can see that faulty electrical components can also lead to other fatalistic injuries. To prevent these situations from happening, it is important to consider any potential hazards at home or in the workplace. In warehouse and factory settings, it is especially important to ensure that any and all electrical equipment is handled with safety guidelines in mind. 
• Electrical incidents and injuries are not a recent phenomenon. In 2019/2018, 14,186 domestic fires in England were caused by an electrical component. This figure accounts for 53.4% of all accidental domestic fires in England (Electrical Safety First, 2022). This is an extremely significant number to take note of, as almost half of the accidental fires in domestic properties were caused by an electrical component. Most modern homes have several electrical devices and appliances; therefore, it is important to implement clear safety guidelines to avoid any injuries. If you have any children, you must advise them to take safety precautions in order to prevent any electrical related injuries. 
• When it comes to products, 71% of electrical fires were started by appliances in 2018/2017. (Electrical Safety First, 2022). Every home has several electrical appliances that can cause potential injuries. Whether it is a small appliance or a large electrical appliance, all of these have the potential to cause injuries. Often these injuries can lead to fatalistic consequences. Even if you use an electrical appliance occasionally, you must practice safety guidelines to prevent any incidents from happening. Many manufacturers often produce instructions on how to handle appliances safely. Make sure to follow these instructions as a preventative measure. 

Hazards Associated With The Purchase Of Counterfeit Electrical Products

Existing electrical devices, such as switches and sockets in your home or office, always pose a risk of electrical injury however, the products you purchase online can also increase your risk of electrical injury. 

Many consumers often accidentally purchase counterfeit electrical products that have not been tested. Purchasing such items can significantly increase your risk of electrical injury. Here are some important facts to remember before purchasing an electrical item online. 

• Consumers have a higher chance of suffering from electrical accidents by purchasing counterfeit electrical products. Approximately 64% of the consumers who purchased fake electrical products online have sustained some form of electrical injury. (Electrical Safety First, 2022). Purchasing counterfeit products can often lead to serious consequences. Not only do you end up wasting your money if the product fails, but you can also sustain serious injuries. Such products are often not built according to proper safety codes, increasing the risk of accidents.  
• 29% of the subpar electrical devices were purchased from marketplace sites (Electrical Safety First, 2022). Approximately 93% of consumers believe that e-commerce websites are designed to protect them from counterfeit goods (Electrical Safety First, 2022). While most marketplace and e-commerce sites have strict guidelines, this is not true for every such website. Often it is hard to regulate the safety of electrical products on these websites, which can increase the risk of hazards for consumers. In order to avoid such issues, it is recommended that you purchase from certified sellers and websites only. These websites often test products before putting them on sale, ensuring high levels of safety during operation. Always check the website for official certification to make sure you have the appropriate product. 
• Certain population demographics are more susceptible to buying counterfeit products. 51% of the consumers who bought counterfeit products online were aged between 25 to 34. As a comparison., only 10% of consumers over 55 purchased fake electrical products (Electrical Safety First, 2022). Many people between the ages of 25 to 34 are more likely to purchase items online rather than in person, this type of consumerism may explain the high number of counterfeit products bought by this demographic. Marketers target these age groups as they are more likely to purchase an item online. To avoid scams, raising awareness of fake products and unreliable marketplace websites is important. 
• One in three or 18 million UK residents has accidentally bought a counterfeit electrical product online. (Electrical Safety First, 2022). This extremely high figure emphasizes the need for reliable online marketplaces. There needs to be more awareness about the dangers of purchasing fake electrical products online. With such a high number of population accidentally purchasing such items, there is an increased risk of dangers associated with electricity. Governments and website hosting sites should take initiatives to ensure the safe selling of electrical products online. Regular testing and proof of certifications should be clearly present on which websites sell electrical products. These tactics will minimize the potential risk associated with electrical appliances. 

Electrical Safety In The Workplace

The workplace is one significant area where many electrical incidents take place. There is always the potential for electrical injury, whether it's in a high-risk or low-risk workplace. 

Since these areas often house large groups of people, it is crucial that business owners take actionable steps to ensure employee health and well-being. These are the important statistics that underline the importance of electrical safety guidelines in the workplace. 

• Not all work industries experience high numbers of electrical injuries; however, some industries are more vulnerable to these risks. Electric fatalities often occur in the construction industry affecting workers between the ages of 36 and 45 (ElecSafety, 2022). These statistics show key areas where action must be taken to ensure worker safety. High-risk spaces such as construction work need safety guidelines to ensure the well-being of the workers. This will benefit the business in multiple ways besides improving safety measures. Employees will have better work satisfaction, and you will be able to finish projects on time. Due to these reasons, it is important to implement electrical safety guidelines in construction worksites. 
• Regarding workplace accidents, in 2022/2021,6% of fatal injuries sustained by construction workers originated from electrical components. (HSE, 2022). While 6% might not seem like a large number, it is still important to prevent these injuries from happening as they lead to devastating consequences. It is crucial for business owners to ensure the health and safety of their employees therefore, actionable steps should be implemented to avoid such incidents. Construction equipment offer carries high levels of risk, which is why workers should undergo rigorous safety training to ensure employee well-being in the workplace
• Despite the higher number of construction work fatalities in 2022, this number has decreased from the injuries recorded in 2018/2017. In 2022, there were 30 recorded fatal injuries to construction workers, while in 2018/2017, there were 36 fatal injuries reported by workers (HSE, 2022). This figure is an indication that safety measures are successful are preventing fatal injuries from happening. Even though there was not a large reduction in workplace deaths, significant progress was made toward ensuring construction workers' health and safety.
• The type of work also affects the risk associated with electrical products. 7% of electrocutions affect workers undertaking electrical installations. On the other hand, 37% of electrocutions affect construction workers. 15% of workers in agriculture and horticulture are also affected by electrocution (ESFI, 2022). This statistic highlight the key areas where workers are vulnerable to electrocution. Efforts should be made to ensure worker safety in their industries. Business owners should provide safety training and ensure preventative measures to avoid accidents from happening.
• A great way to ensure electrical safety in the workplace is by involving your employees. 95% of workers believe that more can be done to improve safety in the workplace. (Fluke, 2022). Business owners should work alongside their employees to implement safety protocols.   

Electrical Safety In Domestic Properties

Aside from work, domestic properties are also at a high risk of electrical injuries. Modern homes are filled with various appliances, devices, and gadgetry that can significantly increase the risk of electrocutions and home fires as a result of electrical failure. 

Therefore it is important to maintain electrical safety at home. Here are some important things to know about electrical safety in domestic properties. 

• In England, electric hazards accounted for 53.4% of all accidental domestic fires. Out of this figure, 25.9% of the electrical fires were caused by faulty appliances and devices. 15.2% of the electrical fires were caused by faulty fuel supply. 46.5% of the remaining electrical fires were brought on by misuse of electrical equipment. (Electrical Safety First, 2022). With these numbers, we can see that majority of domestic fires are caused by electrical components whether it's mishandling of equipment or faulty mechanics, electronics are a major component for domestic hazards. While it is not realistic to get rid of all electric appliances, it is important that homeowners exercise safety precautions to prevent any accidents from happening. 
• In case of an electrical fire, there are various injuries people can sustain. According to safety reports, in general, 11 fatalities and 321 injuries are attributed to electrical fires. On the other hand, 15 fatalities and 397 injuries occur due to faulty appliances in domestic properties  (Electrical Safety First, 2022). It is important to purchase credited and certifiable products to ensure electrical safety. Make sure that you only purchase products from reliable sellers.  
• The most hazardous area in a domestic property is the kitchen. 58% of the electrical fires started in domestic property occur in a kitchen (Electrical Safety First, 2022). Kitchens are often small spaces with multiple electrical equipment. Due to this configuration, it is easy for one small incident to escalate into a bigger disaster. Homeowners should ensure preventative measures in the kitchen to avoid any potential hazards. 

These statistics underline the importance of implementing electric safety guidelines. To ensure overall well-being, it is important to ensure proper guidelines in both domestic properties and workspaces.  

Understand and raise awareness about dangers associated with electrical products to prevent any potential hazards from happening.