Skip to content
{notification.title}
{notification.description}

Hazard alert – working on energized electrical equipment

Date posted: 2023-11-09

Over the last few months, there have been several serious incidents involving workers coming into contact with energized electrical equipment. When workers come into contact with electricity, it often results in them sustaining serious or fatal injuries. Workplace Safety and Health has investigated these incidents. Key factors that led to these injuries were a lack of training, no safe work procedures for working on energized electrical equipment and a lack of personal protective equipment.

Prevention measures

SAFE Work Manitoba reminds employers of their responsibilities:

  • Ensure only a trained and competent electrical worker is assigned to do electrical work.
  • Develop and train workers on safe work procedures.
  • De-energize and lock-out electrical equipment on which work is to be done in a manner that meets the requirements of Part 16 (Machines, Tools and Robots).
  • Remove any potential stored power/energy.
  • Only re-energize equipment once the work has been completed and all persons in the immediate vicinity are in a safe location.

Workers’ responsibilities include:

  • Follow the safe work procedures developed for the workplace.
  • Use all necessary equipment and personal protective devices.

If it is not reasonably practicable to de-energize electrical equipment, the employer, in consultation with the worker, must do the following:

  • Develop safe work procedures that include the use of safety equipment appropriate for the task.
  • Train workers in procedures (agreed to by the employer and the worker).
  • Designate a worker who is trained in emergency response procedures as a standby worker.

The worker must:

  • Wear all appropriate personal protective equipment for the work to be done.

Important resources for electrical work

  • Electrical Safety (Electrical Workers, Safe Work Procedures, Emergency Procedures, Work On Energized Equipment, Stand-by Worker): WSH Regulation 217/2006 Part 38
  • Machines, Tools and Robots (Safe Work Procedures, Lockout, Tag out, Work on Energized Equipment): WSH Regulation 217/2006 Part 16
  • Personal Protective Equipment: Workplace Safety and Health Regulation 217/2006 Part 6
  • CSA Standard: CSA Z462-08 Workplace Electrical Safety.

Industry-based safety programs (IBSPs)

If you have questions about this topic that are specific to your industry, please contact your industry-based safety program (IBSP).

If your industry is not currently associated with an IBSP, you’re unsure whether your industry has an IBSP or you have more general questions, please contact SAFE Work Manitoba.





About the WCB

The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba serves workers and employers through a no-fault insurance system integral to the Manitoba economy. Funded collectively by employers, the WCB promotes safe and healthy workplaces, facilitates recovery and return to work, delivers compassionate and supportive compensation services to workers and employers, and ensures responsible stewardship of Manitoba's workers' compensation system.