Working on or near energised electrical equipment campaign

Working on or near energised electrical equipment carries significant risk. Contact with energised parts can result in serious injuries, permanent disability or death.

The Electrical Safety Office is committed to reducing the frequency and severity of electrical incidents by working with industry to improve awareness, strengthen risk controls and support safer decisions when working on or near energised electrical equipment.

Why it matters

Electrical incidents can happen in seconds, but their consequences can last a lifetime.

• 35 workers have been seriously injured or killed while performing electrical work on or near energised electrical equipment (between 2020 – 2025).
• 133 electrical safety notices have been issued for non-compliance with electrical safety regulations when working on or near energised equipment (between 2022 – 2025).

The campaign

The working on or near energised electrical equipment campaign includes the following phases, aimed at increasing industry awareness, capability and compliance:

Phase one: Education, engagement and capability

Raising awareness of the risks and legal requirements associated with working on or near energised electrical equipment. Through targeted communications and practical resources, we are partnering with industry associations, prescribed electricity entities, registered training organisations, unions, regulatory authorities and departments, qualified technical persons and small-medium businesses to build industry capability and support safer work practices.

Phase two: Compliance

Between February 2027 – June 2028, Electrical Safety Office inspectors will undertake proactive audits of businesses across Queensland to assess compliance with legislative requirements for working on or near electrical equipment. These audits will help identify areas for improvement, reinforce industry obligations and support ongoing risk reduction across the sector.

Resources to help you work safely

We’ve developed practical resources to support safer decision-making when working on or near energised electrical equipment.

Electrical work on or near energised electrical equipment webpage

This dedicated webpage provides everything you need to know about working on or near energised electrical equipment including the risks and how to manage them, information for PCBUs and workers as well as frequently asked questions.

Technical guide for working on or near energised electrical equipment (PDF, 3.12 MB)

This comprehensive technical guide explains the requirements, responsibilities and safe work practices for working on or near energised electrical equipment. It provides practical guidance on risk assessment, planning, isolation, testing, permits, personal protective equipment and managing electrical hazards.