Health and Safety
Executive
Identifying the incidence of
electricity-related accidents in
Great Britain
Prepared by BOMEL Limited
for the Health and Safety Executive 2010
RR771
Research Report
Health and Safety
Executive
Identifying the incidence of
electricity-related accidents in
Great Britain
BOMEL Limited
Ledger House
Forest Green Road
Fifield
Maidenhead
Berks SL6 2NR
This report describes a pan-industry study into the risks associated with electricity-related accidents. This
report forms a preliminary evidence base.
A data set has been built containing accidents involving people working with or around electricity. This set
contains 57,000 accidents reported under RIDDOR between 1996/97 and 2002/03. This data has been
incorporated into the Electricity RIDDOR Report Tool, and is used to provide an insight into the key risks
where future risk controls may best be targeted, and a baseline from which future improvements may be
measured.
The largest number of electricity-related accidents is reported in the electrical installation and construction
industries. Electrical fitters have been involved in significantly more electricity-related accidents than other
occupations.
Handling/sprains and trips are reported most frequently. Low falls, being struck by falling objects and high
falls also feature highly. Accidents involving contact with electricity are the fourth most frequently reported
accident kind. Contact with electricity is the most significant source of fatal injury accidents in this data
set; being involved in more fatal injury accidents than the other accident kinds combined. These contact
accidents involved a number of agents including plant, domestic appliances and underground cables.
This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents,
including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily
reflect HSE policy.
HSE Books
© Crown copyright 2010
First published 2010
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Applications for reproduction should be made in writing to:
Licensing Division, Her Majesty’s Stationery Office,
St Clements House, 2-16 Colegate, Norwich NR3 1BQ
or by e-mail to hmsolicensing@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk
ii
CONTENTS
Page No.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
v
1.
INTRODUCTION
1
1.1
BACKGROUND
1
1.2
CONTEXT OF THE STUDY
1
1.3
OBJECTIVES
2
1.4
SCOPE OF REPORT
2
2.
3.
ELECTRICITY DATA SET
3
2.1
INTRODUCTION
3
2.2
RIDDOR ACCIDENT REPORTING
3
2.3
BOMEL RIDDOR DATA TOOL
6
2.4
DEFINITION OF THE ELECTRICITY DATA SET
8
2.5
ELECTRICITY DATA SET
14
GLOBAL ANALYSIS OF THE ELECTRICITY-RELATED ACCIDENT
DATA
17
3.1
INTRODUCTION
17
3.2
DEFINITIONS
17
3.3
GLOBAL ANALYSIS
18
3.4
KEY RISK AREAS
32
4.
CONCLUSIONS
67
5.
RECOMMENDATIONS
71
5.1
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
71
5.2
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE WORK
71
6.
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A
73
OTHER ELECTRICITY-RELATED ISSUES
iii
iv
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
This report has been prepared by BOMEL Limited for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
as Technical Support Project P342 and describes a pan-industry study into the nature of
electricity-related accidents in Great Britain. The approach taken in this report has been to build
an accident data set for electricity-related accidents reported in Great Britain and subsequently
analyse that data set using a suite of tools developed by BOMEL for identifying key risk areas.
The overall objectives of the study are to:
1.
Develop an electricity related accident data set from ‘supply to switch’ to provide a
baseline for measuring improvements across a range of industry sectors.
2.
Analyse the electricity related accident data to gain an insight into what electricityrelated accidents occur, who was involved in them, what they were doing at the time.
3.
Produce a report that contains analyses of the electricity related accident data;
identifies the key issues; and identify key priority areas for intervention.
ELECTRICITY RELATED ACCIDENT DATA SET
A data set for electricity-related accidents has been built from the RIDDOR accident data
reported to HSE between 1996/97 and 2002/03. This data set has been defined on the basis of
including only those accidents whose industries, accident kind, occupation, work process or
agent is related to electricity.
A data set containing the electricity-related accidents is required to provide:
•
A baseline from which future improvements may be measured.
•
An insight into the key risk areas where future risk control measures and interventions
may best be targeted.
Those accidents coded as resulting from contact with electricity may not reveal the true level of
electricity-related accidents. For example, if an electrician fell from a ladder, the accident may
well be coded as a ‘fall’ even if it was contact with electricity that caused the fall. In order to
devise successful interventions there is therefore a need to identify the wider set of electricityrelated accidents. The defined data set includes those accidents that involve those working with
or around electricity. This provides a broad data set that includes those workers that have
suffered handling / sprain injuries, trips or falls whilst undertaking electricity related work as
well as those injured through contact with electricity. As a result, best use can be made of HSE
resources in targeting groups of workers involved in activities such as cabling where HSE’s
falls from height, slips and trips, and musculoskeletal disorder priority programmes may want to
get their messages over to the same group.
v
The following two-prong approach was used to identify the electricity-related accidents:
•
Identify all those accidents with electricity-related RIDDOR codes by searching for
one or more of the codings for industries, accident kinds, occupations, work processes,
and agents that correspond to those identified for the electricity-related accidents.
•
Identify those accidents where either the notifier comment or the investigation
summary report contains a term relating to electricity.
The accident data identified in the two separate approaches have been combined into one data
set and incorporated into the Electricity RIDDOR Report Tool.
Using the proposed criteria, 56,597 electricity-related accidents have been identified as having
been reported over the last seven years. The breakdown of these accidents is shown in Table 1,
where it can be seen that over the last seven years around 5,000 accidents were reported as
involving contact with electricity. However, over 56,000 reported accidents could be classified
as being electricity related. Around 6% of the total number of fatal injury accidents reported in
Great Britain over the last seven years resulted from contact with electricity, whilst around 10%
of all fatal injuries were electricity related.
Table 1 Fatal, major and over 3-day injury accidents occurring in all industries as
reported via RIDDOR between 1996/97 and 2002/03
Accident status
All accidents in all
industries
Accidents involving
contact with
electricity
(% of all accidents)
Electricity-related
accidents
(% of all accidents)
Fatal injury accidents
1,726
104 (6%)
173 (10%)
Major injury accidents
199,499
1,395 (1%)
12,037 (6%)
Over 3-day injury accidents
901,044
3,258 (<1%)
44,387 (5%)
1,102,269
4,757 (<1%)
56,597 (5%)
Total
ELECTRICITY-RELATED ACCIDENTS IN INDUSTRY
The electricity related accident data set as defined in this study has been analysed for industry as
a whole. The analyses included detailed breakdowns by individual industries, accident kinds,
occupations, work processes and agents involved in the accidents. Risk ranking analyses were
then undertaken to identify the relative likelihood of each of these factors and its potential
impact on society and the individual in terms of cost.
These analyses provide an insight into the relative significance of single factors. However,
pattern matching analyses permit combinations of accident kinds, occupations, work processes,
agents and industries to be compared in order to identify which feature most frequently. These
analyses were carried out by comparing each accident record with every other accident record in
order to identify the number of matches each one has. Those combinations that appear most
frequently give an indication as to what may be considered to be priority areas for intervention.
vi
In considering the analyses of the RIDDOR data it is important to appreciate the uncertainties
associated with that data, this is because RIDDOR reports are made by people from a variety of
backgrounds, some of whom may have had either very specific health and safety training or
little or no health and safety training.
Study of the accident data indicated that:
•
The overall number of accidents has reduced consistently from 1996/97 to 2001/02,
with a smooth transition with the introduction of the ICC system in 2001/02.
However, there was a distinct reduction in the number of electricity-related accidents
reported in 2002/03 (see Figure 2).
•
It is possible that the reduction in the number of electricity-related accidents reported
in 2002/03 may be linked to the adoption of the SOC 2000 system for occupation
classification. The number of accidents reported to involve electrical fitters reduced
by around 1,500 in 2002/03(see Figure 3).
•
The largest number of electricity-related accidents were reported in the electrical
wiring installation industries. Significant numbers of accidents were also reported in
the construction building and telecommunications industries (see Figure 4).
•
Two distinct accident profiles are evident by industry. Firstly, the electric wiring
installation and construction building industries both contain significant proportions of
major injury accidents. In other industries, the accident profile consists primarily of
over 3-day injury accidents. This leads to the electric wiring installation and
construction building industries being the most significant in terms of overall risk and
cost of accidents (see Figure 4 and Figure 16).
•
Between 1996/97 and 2000/01, the largest number of accidents resulted from handling
and sprains, and the majority of these accidents led to over 3-day injuries. Significant
numbers of accidents also involved workers tripping and being struck by falling
objects. Similar numbers of accidents involving contact with electricity and low fall
were also reported. A similar pattern emerged between 2001/02 and 2002/03 (see
Figure 5, Figure 17 and Figure 18).
•
Contact with electricity is the most significant source of fatal injury accidents in this
data set (104 fatal injury accidents out of a total of 173); being involved in more fatal
injury accidents than the other accident kinds combined. This leads to contact with
electricity being the most significant in terms of overall risk and cost of accidents (see
Figure 6, Figure 17 and Figure 18).
•
Electric fitters have been involved in significantly more electricity-related accidents
than any other occupation (see Figure 7, Figure 19 and Figure 20). However, handling
/ sprains and trips are involved in these accidents most frequently. Low falls, being
struck by falling objects and high falls also feature highly. Accidents involving
vii
contact with electricity are the seventh most frequently reported accident kind
involving electrical fitters (see Figure 8).
viii
•
On-site transfer and general handling are the most common work processes
undertaken at the time of the electricity related accident, between 1996/97 and
2000/01. Between 2001/02 and 2002/03, the principal work processes involve
handling activities (see Figure 9, Figure 21 and Figure 22).
•
In the first five years, the agents most frequently involved in electricity-related
accidents are those involving handling heavy, awkward or sharp objects. These
accidents result, primarily, in over 3-day injuries. The accidents resulting from
contact with electricity involved a number of agents including plant, domestic
appliances and underground cables (see Figure 11(a) and Figure 23). In the following
two years, electrical cables and other materials and machinery are the primary agents,
followed by ‘floors’ (involving trips) and moveable ladders (involving falls) (see
Figure 11(b) and Figure 24).
•
Moveable ladders leading to falls are the key agents for the first five years in terms of
fatal and major injury accidents along with agents involving contact with electricity
(such as domestic appliances, underground cables, networks and hand tools) (see
Figure 23). A similar picture is found for the 2001/02 to 2002/03 period, where
electrical cables and moveable ladders are the most significant risks along with
‘floors’ for trips (see Figure 24). Energy systems and underground cables also present
significant risks in relation to contact with electricity.
•
Around 6,000 to 7,000 accidents have been reported for each of the age groups
between 25 and 55 years old, with reducing numbers between 40 and 55. The fatal
injury accidents exhibit a distribution with around 20 to 25 fatal injury accidents being
reported for age ranges between 25 and 65, with increasing numbers between 40 and
55 (see Figure 13).
•
Employees are involved in the majority of the electricity-related accidents reported
(see Figure 14).
•
For fatal and major accidents, the construction building and installation of electric
wiring industries appear most frequently in combinations. These accidents involve
trips, low and high falls from ladders and, for construction building, contact with
electricity from underground cables (see Table 16 and Table 20). These accidents
typically occur whilst undertaking electrical work, on-site transfer and ground works
(see Table 24 and Table 28), and predominantly involve electrical fitters (see Table
32).
RECOMMENDATIONS
The purpose of this study was to provide a preliminary evidence base for developing policy, not
to develop that policy. Nevertheless, outline recommendations have emerged from the study,
and it is suggested that the following areas be addressed in order to reduce the risks associated
with electricity-related accidents:
•
The key areas where significant numbers of electricity-related accidents are being
reported, electric fitters working in the electrical installation and construction
industries, need to be addressed with targeted interventions.
•
Whilst accidents resulting from contact with electricity give rise to the most
significant risk impact in terms of cost to Great Britain, they are not the most
frequently occurring. Slips, trip, low and high falls, and handling / sprain injuries also
feature. The risks associated with these accidents should be addressed in conjunction
with those risks associated with contact with electricity.
•
Consideration should be given to developing a comprehensive evidence base for the
key areas, including building risk registers. Supporting evidence could be obtained
from a variety of sources including workshop findings, research reports, notifier
comments, investigation reports and workshops. This evidence base will provide HSE
with the means to develop prioritised interventions supported by a full audit trail.
ix
x
1.
1.1
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
This report has been prepared by BOMEL Limited for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
as Technical Support Project P342 and describes a pan-industry study into the nature of
electricity-related accidents in Great Britain.
1.2
CONTEXT OF THE STUDY
In June 2000, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Health and Safety Commission (HSC)
launched the Revitalising Health and Safety (RHS) Strategy Statement(1). Underpinning this
were the new targets for health and safety given in Table 2.
Table 2 Revitalising health and safety (RHS) targets for health and safety
Target
By 2004/5
By 2009/10
Reduction in incidence rate of fatalities and major injury
accidents
-5%
-10%
Reduction in incidence rate of cases of work-related ill-health
-10%
-20%
Reduction in number of working days lost per 100,000 workers
from work related injury and ill-health
-15%
-30%
In 1998, INDG 231(2) stated that “Each year about 1,000 accidents at work involving electric
shock or burns are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Around 30 of these are
fatal. Most of these fatalities arise from contact with overhead or underground power cables.”
However, there is concern that these figures may not reveal the true level of electricity-related
accidents. For example, if an electrician fell from a ladder, the accident may well be coded as a
‘fall’ even if it was contact with electricity that caused the fall. In order to devise successful
interventions there is, therefore, a need to identify the wider set of electricity-related accidents.
As an illustration of that point, Table 3 indicates that over the last seven years around 5,000
accidents were reported as involving contact with electricity. However, over 56,000 reported
accidents could be classified as being electricity related.
1
Table 3 Fatal, major and over 3-day injury accidents occurring in all industries as
reported via RIDDOR between 1996/97 and 2002/03
Accident status
All accidents in all
industries
Accidents involving
contact with
electricity
(% of all accidents)
Electricity-related
accidents
(% of all accidents)
Fatal injury accidents
1,726
104 (6%)
173 (10%)
Major injury accidents
199,499
1,395 (1%)
12,037 (6%)
Over 3-day injury accidents
901,044
3,258 (<1%)
44,387 (5%)
1,102,269
4,757 (<1%)
56,597 (5%)
Total
1.3
OBJECTIVES
The overall objectives of the study are to:
1.
Develop an electricity related accident data set from ‘supply to switch’ to provide a
baseline for measuring improvements across a range of industry sectors.
2.
Analyse the electricity related accident data to gain an insight into what electricityrelated accidents occur, who was involved in them, what they were doing at the time.
3.
Produce a report that contains analyses of the electricity related accident data;
identifies the key issues; and identifies key priority areas for intervention.
1.4
SCOPE OF REPORT
Section 2 introduces the RIDDOR accident data and the BOMEL data tool with details of the
methodology for building the electricity related accident data set. This includes a definition of
the individual codes used to select the accident records and the list of keywords used to search
the notifier comments and investigation reports.
Detailed analyses including risk ranking and pattern matching can be found in Section 3 for the
seven year period of 1996/97 to 2002/03. The analysis of these data provide:
•
A baseline from which future improvements may be measured.
•
An insight into the areas where future risk control measures and interventions may
best be targeted.
The conclusions drawn from this work are presented in Section 4, followed by the
recommendations in Section 5. The references used in this work are given in Section 6.
Appendix A contains a summary of other electricity-related issues addressed outside of the main
study.
2
2.
2.1
ELECTRICITY DATA SET
INTRODUCTION
The available data on electricity-related accidents industry have been analysed in order to
provide:
•
A baseline from which future improvements may be measured.
•
An insight into the areas where future risk control measures and interventions may
best be targeted.
The main source of data is the RIDDOR accident data as provided by HSE to BOMEL under its
confidential support arrangements. The analysis of this data is discussed in Section 3.
In this section, the RIDDOR accident reporting system is introduced, followed by a description
of how the RIDDOR data is incorporated within the RIDDOR Data Tool developed by
BOMEL. The definitions used to develop the electricity related accident data set are described
along with the validation checks undertaken on the data.
In considering the analyses of the RIDDOR data it is important to appreciate the uncertainties
associated with that data, this is because RIDDOR reports are made by people from a variety of
backgrounds, some of whom may have had either very specific health and safety training or
little or no health and safety training.
2.2
RIDDOR ACCIDENT REPORTING
Reporting of the fatal, major or minor (over three days away from work) injury accidents to
workers associated with workplace activities is a statutory requirement of RIDDOR(3). This
section provides a brief overview of the RIDDOR data as collected by HSE and subsequently
processed and analysed by BOMEL. Detailed information is provided in References 3, 4 and 5.
In the period 1996/7 to 2000/01, RIDDOR forms, once completed, were sent to the local HSE
offices, where the information on them was coded with reference to HSE guidance on coding(6),
and entered into the central HSE FOCUS database by trained clerical staff. As of April 2001, a
central Incident Contact Centre (ICC) was established where dedicated staff deal with hard
copy, web and telephone notifications, as well as coding and entry of all RIDDOR report forms.
The fields available for analysis are summarised in Table 4. Those fields that have changed
with the introduction of the ICC system are denoted in bold. Those fields marked with an
asterisk in Table 4 were not completed in the FOCUS database when the reports were received
from the local authority enforced sectors in the period 1996/97 to 2000/01 as they ran a different
coding scheme. In April 2002, the Standard Occupation Classification (SOC 2000) was
adopted. For the 2002/03 data, the occupations of those injured at work were recorded using the
SOC 2000 system.
3
At the 1 April 2001 juncture when the ICC system was activated, a new scheme for coding
accident agents and work processes was also introduced and the categorisation of accident kinds
was modified slightly. It is understood there is no clear mapping between agents and work
processes for the pre- and post-ICC schemes and therefore the data sets are presented separately
in the graphs which follow. Although accident kinds, ‘high fall, ‘low fall’ and ‘fall’ remain, the
guidance on coding falls has apparently been clarified so that a fall initiated by a ‘trip’ (e.g.
when getting out of a vehicle or on stairs) is now coded as a ‘slip or trip’ as opposed to a fall.
As such, it may be anticipated that the number of recorded falls in 2001/2 would reduce even if
the control of risks did not alter. Caution must therefore be exercised in interpreting trends and
changes from 1996/7-2000/01 to 2001/02-2002/03 in terms of accident numbers and rates.
4
Table 4 RIDDOR accident / injury data available for analysis
Field
Description
Accident Kind
Kind of accident e.g. slip, fall, drown
Age group
Age of injured person
Agent*
Agent associated with the kind e.g. ladder, fragile roof etc. (The agent contains a
direct reference to the accident kind in the pre-ICC data i.e. ‘Fall vehicle’, but not
in the 2001/02-2002/03 data)
Area
HSE area office (old type areas 1-21 excluding 4)
Body Part
Site on body of injury e.g. back, leg
Casualty Name
Name of the injured party
Client Employees UK
Number employed by client in UK
Client Name
Name of client
Client No
Client identification number
Client Function
Status of the client e.g. private company, NHS
Date
Date of accident
Employment Status
Employment status of injured person e.g. employee
Event No
Serial number of the accident
FMU Unit No
Field management unit enforcing in HSE office
Gender
Gender
HSE Year
Year in which the accident occurred
inc_role
Role of the client at location e.g. designer, landlord
Total Workers Site
Number employed by client at particular location
Incumbent No
Incumbent (client at location) identification number
Industrial Workers Site
Number of industrial workers employed by client at location
Injury Nature
Nature of injury e.g. fracture, burn
InternalID
Unique System ID for this entry
inv_no
Investigation number
Investigated
Flag to indicate if investigation required
Local authority
Name of local authority
Location Type
Type of location e.g. fixed, quarry, roadside
Notifier Comments
Narrative provided by the person notifying the accident
Occupation*
Occupation of injured person
Originator
HSE Directorate/Division or local authority identification field
Region
HSE region (7 regions)
Report type
Accident report type e.g. fatal, major, over 3-days
Severity
F = Fatality, M = Major injury accident, O = Over 3-days accident
SIC92 Industry
Industry classification
SIC92 Sector
Industry Classification Group e.g. Agriculture, Construction, Extraction/Utility,
Manufacturing or Services
Work Process*
Work process taking place at time of accident
5
2.3
BOMEL RIDDOR DATA TOOL
Fatal, major and over 3-day injury accident records from FOCUS were supplied to BOMEL in
separate files for each of the seven years 1996/97 to 2002/03, together with ‘look-up’ tables
cross-referencing the FOCUS codes to short and long descriptions as contained in the HSE
coding systems.
The RIDDOR data as supplied by HSE were processed by BOMEL using the following steps in
accordance with Reference 4:
•
The raw accident data and updated look-up tables as received from HSE were
imported into a Microsoft Access database.
•
The data were validated and anomalies were resolved in conjunction with HSE
statisticians.
•
The BOMEL RIDDOR Data Tool was updated to include all accidents notified
between 1996/97 and 2002/03.
•
Analyses of the accident data were carried out using Excel spreadsheet Pivot Tables
and Charts contained in the RIDDOR Data Tool.
In updating the database and Data Tool, reference was made to the HSE manual(7) covering the
new accident kind, agent and work process codings.
Figure 1 shows the layout of the BOMEL RIDDOR database. There are three main tables in the
database, containing the information on:
•
Accidents / Injuries.
•
Investigations.
•
Reports.
The primary table used for this study is the Accidents / Injuries table. The data contained in this
table are summarised in Table 4. The database tables contain the numerical FOCUS codes
rather than the text descriptions. The associated look-up tables shown in Figure 1 provide
access to the textual descriptions required for meaningful analyses.
It is important to note that inv_no (investigation number) is the field linking the principal tables.
Furthermore the term ‘event’ is misleading in that each person injured constitutes an ‘event’
even when there are multiple injuries resulting from an accident.
6
Figure 1 Data table relationships in the BOMEL RIDDOR database
In addition to the RIDDOR codes, the following narratives are available for analysis:
•
Investigation summary reports – Summary provided by the Inspectors for those
accidents that they investigate (all fatalities, around 13% of major injury accidents,
and around 2.5% of over 3-day injury accidents are investigated). These are available
for all years between 1996/97 and 2002/03.
•
Notifier comments - Summaries provided by the person notifying the accident.
These are only available for the years 2001/02 and 2002/03.
7
2.4
DEFINITION OF THE ELECTRICITY DATA SET
The full RIDDOR database for the period of the study contains over 1.1 million accident
records for the period 1996/97 to 2002/03. In order to carry out a meaningful analysis of the
electricity-related accidents, all of the relevant accident data in the RIDDOR database needs to
be collected together. As there may be electricity-related accidents that were not coded as
relating to electricity, the following two-prong approach was used to identify these incidents:
•
Identify all those accidents with electricity-related RIDDOR codes by searching for
one or more of the codings for industries, accident kinds, occupations, work processes,
and agents that correspond to those identified for the electricity-related accidents.
•
Identify those accidents where either the notifier comment or the investigation
summary report contains a term relating to electricity.
The accident data identified in the two separate approaches have been combined into one data
set. This approach will not identify all accidents involving electricity, as it relies on having
access to narrative text associated with either notifier comments or investigation summary
reports.
In order to validate the electricity data set and ensure the appropriate accident records were
included, a number of measures were taken. These included:
•
Conducting a visual check on the data and graphs to assess whether the trends being
illustrated were as expected. For example, initially, ‘distribution networks’ was one of
the work processes selected to be part of the electricity dataset. However,
investigation revealed there to be a significant number of accidents involving postal
workers and that the reference description for distribution networks included mail
collection, delivery and sorting as well as trips. Subsequently, distribution networks
was deselected from the data set definition.
•
Conducting a check on a sample of the notifier comments and investigation reports to
ensure that electricity-related accidents were being included in the data set. This also
served the purpose of identifying potential keywords to be included in the data set
definition.
2.4.1
Identifying accidents with electricity-related RIDDOR codes
The accidents with electricity-related RIDDOR codes have been identified by searching for one
or more of the codings for industries, accident kinds, occupations, work processes, and agents
that correspond to those identified for the electricity-related accidents, and building a separate
data set. The individual codes used to select the accident records for inclusion in the electricity
data set (as agreed with HSE) are provided in Table 5 to Table 9. Each of these codes has a
marker against it in the RIDDOR accident database indicating that it is part of the electricity
data set. A query is used within the database to select only those accident records where one or
8
more of the codes in Table 5 to Table 9 are present and these accidents are assigned an
electricity ‘switch’.
Table 5 Industries selected in the definition of electricity-related accidents
SIC 92 code
Industry
Description
29.710
ELEC DOM APPLS
Manufacture of electric domestic appliances
31.100
ELEC MOTOR/GENS
Manufacture
transformers
of
electric
31.200
ELEC DIST/CONT
Manufacture
apparatus
of
electricity
31.300
INS WIRE/CABLE
Manufacture of insulated wire and cable
31.400
ACCUM/CELL/BATTS
Manufacture of accumulators, primary cells and batteries
31.500
LIGHTING
EQUIPMENT
Manufacture of lighting equipment and electric lamps
31.610
ELEC EQP ENG/VEH
Manufacture of electrical equipment for engines and
vehicles not elsewhere classified
31.620
OTH ELEC EQPT
Manufacture of other electrical equipment not elsewhere
classified
32.100
VALVES/TUBES
Manufacture of electronic valves and tubes and other
electric components
32.202
RADIO/ELEC GOODS
Manufacture of radio and electronic capital goods
33.201
ELEC INST/APPLS
Manufacture of electronic instruments and appliances for
measuring, checking, testing, navigating and other purposes
except industrial process control equipment
33.301
EL PROC CON EQPT
Manufacture of electronic industrial process control
equipment
40.100
ELECTRICITY
Production and distribution of electricity
40.101
ELEC GENERATION
Electricity generation
40.102
ELEC TRANS/SUPPL
Electricity transmission, distribution and supply
40.110
ELEC’Y PROD’N
Production of electricity
40.120
ELEC’Y TRANSM
Transmission of electricity
40.130
ELEC’Y TRADE
Distribution and trade in electricity
45.310
INST ELEC WIRING
Installation of electrical wiring and fitting
51.430
WSALE ELEC APP
Wholesale of electrical household appliances and radio and
television goods
51.431
WSALE ELEC APP
Wholesale of gramophone records, audio tapes, compact
discs and video tapes and of the equipment on which these
are played
51.439
WSALE ELEC APP
Wholesale of radio and television goods; wholesale of
electrical appliances not elsewhere classified
52.450
RET ELEC APPLS
Retail sale of electrical household appliances and radio and
television goods
52720
REP ELEC GOODS
Repair of electrical household goods
9
motors,
generators
distribution
and
and
control
Table 6 Accident kind categories selected in the definition of electricity-related
accidents
Reference
Accident kind
Description
VOLT
Contact with electricity or electrical discharge
ELECTRICITY
Contact with electricity or electrical discharge
Pre ICC
13
ICC
1310
Table 7 Occupation categories selected in the definition of electricity-related
accidents
Reference
Occupation
Description
pre-SOC 2000
52
ELECTRIC FITTER
89
ELECTRIC/GENERAT
91
ENGINE/ELEC
302
SCIENTIFIC/ELEC
529
OTH ELECTRICAL
post-SOC 2000
2123
ELECTRICAL ENG
Electrical engineers
2124
ELECTRONIC ENG
Electronics engineers
3112
ELEC TECHNICIANS
Electrical/electronic technicians
5233
AUTO ELECTRICIAN
Auto electricians
5241
ELECTRIC FITTER
Electricians, electrical fitters
5249
ELEC ENG NEC
Electrical/electronics engineers n.e.c.
8118
ELECTROPLATERS
Electroplaters
8131
ASSEMBLER ELEC
Assemblers (electrical products)
10
Table 8 Work process categories selected in the definition of electricity-related
accidents
Reference
Work process
Description
3224
ELEC DIST GRND
Electricity Distribution
3225
ELEC GEN GRND
Electricity Generation
3312
ELECTRICAL
Construction: Finishing processes-all electrical work
5060
PLATING
Plating (including electrolytic process)
8600
GENERATION
Generation (inc electricity; conventional, nuclear power
and combined heat and power systems.
Also gas
production both on and off shore
ELECTRICAL
Electrical
pre-ICC
ICC
531
Table 9 Agent categories selected in the definition of electricity-related accidents
Reference
Agent
Description
MMTSPARK
SPARKDISCHARGE
Electro-discharge
VO
VOLT
Contact with electricity or electrical discharge
VODOMESTIC
DOMESTIC
Domestic type equipment
VOHANDTOOL
HANDTOOL
Handtools or Hand Lamps
VONETWORK
NETWORK
Other Network maintenance inc substations
VOOHLINES
OHLINES
Overhead lines (unintentional contact)
VOPLANT
PLANT
Industrial plant, vessels or equipment
VOSTUNNING
STUNNING
Simulation or stunning equipment
VOSWITCH
SWITCH
Switchboards
VOTEST
TEST
Research or test equipment
VOUGCABLES
UGCABLES
Underground Cables (unintentional contact)
05.02
ENERGY SYSTEM
Systems for energy and storage, including batteries,
accumulators
05.03
OVERHEAD LINE
Overhead lines
05.04
UGROUND CABLE
Underground electricity cables
05.05
OTH ELEC CAB
Other electricity cables including trailing, buried in walls
05.80
OTHER
SYS
Other known not in list
05.90
NOT K ENERGY
SYS
pre-ICC
ICC
ENERGY
Not known
11
2.4.2
Identifying accidents with electricity-related RIDDOR keywords in their
narratives
The list of keywords used to search within the notifier comments and investigation reports to
identify the electricity-related accidents are given in Table 10. The asterisk in the keywords
indicate its use as a ‘wildcard’. Thus, ‘cabl*’ indicates that the search will not only identify the
word ‘cable’ but also related words with the same prefix such as ‘cables’ and ‘cabling’.
Similarly, fuse* will detect related words such as ‘fuses’, ‘fuse-box’ and ‘fusing’. The
underscore before ‘amp’ and ‘arc*’ ensures that the search only brings up records made up of
the actual word. For instance, ‘_amp’ does not produce words such as lamp or clamp which
contain the letters ‘amp’.
Initially, there was concern that some of the keywords may be too broad and that they would
bring in large numbers of irrelevant records. For example, there was concern that ‘tower’ may
include accidents involving scaffold towers, whilst ‘overhead’ may include accidents involving
overhead cranes. However, analysis of the notifier comments and investigation reports revealed
that although this was true in some instances, the records still related to electricity in that they
would still involve occupations such as electric fitter or SIC industry such as installation of
electric wiring.
12
Table 10 List of keywords used for searching investigation reports and notifier
comments to identify electricity-related accidents
Original list of keywords
Extra keywords provided by HSE
Cabl*
*Charge
Fuse*
Plumb*
-Electr
Exposed
Wir*
3rd
Volt*
Third
Trunking
Live
Transform*
Overhead
Generat*
Maintenance
Power
Member of public
Substation
MOP (Member Of Public)
Socket
Insulat*
Plug
Phase
Shock
Flash*
Batter*
Circuit
Switch gear
Breaker
UPS (Uninterrupted power supply)
Isolat*
Wind power
Extension lead
Photovoltaic
*meter
Turbine
MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker)
Portable appliance
RCD (Residual Current Device)
PAT (Portable appliance testing)
RCBO (Residual Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent protection)
Current
MCCB (Moulded Case Circuit Breaker)
_amp*
PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
Static
Bond*
Tower
Energis*
Pole
_arc*
Station
Spark*
Earth
Switch*
Mains
13
ELECTRICITY DATA SET
2.5
It should be emphasised that, as discussed in Section 2.4, the electricity data set cannot be
defined neatly by SIC codes, and reliance has to be placed on accident kinds, occupations,
agents and work processes. Using the criteria described in Section 2.4, 56,597 accidents have
been identified as being related to electricity over the last seven years. The breakdown of fatal,
major and over 3-day injury accidents for each of the last seven years is shown in Table 11.
Table 11 Fatal, major and over 3-day injury accidents in the electricity data set
HSE Year
Fatal
Major
Over 3-day
Total
1996/97F
34
1,885
7,091
9,010
1997/98F
27
1,922
7,027
8,976
1998/99F
23
1,710
6,438
8,171
1999/2000F
28
1,744
6,443
8,215
2000/01F
19
1,625
6,257
7,901
2001/02F
24
1,630
6,032
7,686
2002/03P
18
1,521
5,099
6,638
Total
173
12,037
44,387
56,597
The electricity-related accidents are shown in Table 12 in relation to the overall number of
accidents reported during the seven-year period and those involving contact with electricity. In
Table 12 it can be seen that around 5,000 accidents were reported as involving contact with
electricity. However, over 56,000 reported accidents could be classified as being electricity
related. Around 6% of the total number of fatal injury accidents reported in Great Britain over
the last seven years resulted from contact with electricity, whilst around 10% of all fatal injuries
were electricity related.
Table 12 Fatal, major and over 3-day injury accidents occurring in all industries as
reported via RIDDOR between 1996/97 and 2002/03
Accident status
All accidents in all
industries
Accidents involving
contact with
electricity
(% of all accidents)
Electricity-related
accidents
(% of all accidents)
Fatal injury accidents
1,726
104 (6%)
173 (10%)
Major injury accidents
199,499
1,395 (1%)
12,037 (6%)
Over 3-day injury accidents
901,044
3,258 (<1%)
44,387 (5%)
1,102,269
4,757 (<1%)
56,597 (5%)
Total
The coding system for work processes and agents changed with the introduction of the ICC
system in 2001/02, whilst the coding system for occupations changed in 2002/03. There is no
mapping between the pre-ICC and ICC system. In addition, the accidents notified in the local
authority enforced sectors did not contain occupations, work processes or agents compatible
with those used in the HSE enforced sectors before the introduction of the ICC system in
14
2001/02. As such, there are difficulties in making like-for-like comparisons across the 2001/02
and 2002/03 divides. Whilst these new coding systems may provide useful insight in the future
when more data become available, care needs to be taken in interpreting the accident data
presented in the following sections.
The electricity-related accident data has been incorporated into the Electricity RIDDOR Report
Tool.
15
16
3.
3.1
GLOBAL ANALYSIS OF THE ELECTRICITY-RELATED
ACCIDENT DATA
INTRODUCTION
Detailed analyses of the electricity related accident reported in Great Britain between 1996/97
and 2002/03 are contained in this section.
The definitions relating to the graphical presentation of the data are given in the following
section. This is followed by the global analysis of the RIDDOR data. The risk ranking and
pattern matching techniques for identifying key risk areas are then introduced, followed by the
results of their implementation.
In considering the analyses of the RIDDOR data it is important to appreciate the uncertainties
associated with that data, this is because RIDDOR reports are made by people from a variety of
backgrounds, some of whom may have had either very specific health and safety training or
little or no health and safety training.
3.2
DEFINITIONS
A variety of information about accidents can be obtained from the RIDDOR data. For example,
fields such as work process, agent involved in the accident, occupation and age of the injured
person have been analysed to assess the basic circumstances of an accident.
Where the accident data for 2001/02 and 2002/03 have been recorded using different coding
systems (i.e. occupations, work processes and agents) this is noted, and the data are plotted in
separate graphs from the 1996/97 to 2000/01 data. The total number of accidents are presented
for the first five-year period. To make comparisons with the number of accidents in 2001/02
and 2002/03, the data would need to be averaged (i.e. divide the totals by five and two
respectively). It should be noted that the population by category with the new coding is also
likely to be different and, as such, care should be taken in making comparisons.
The figures in the following sections contain data on fatal, major and over three-day injury
accidents. The following legend is used in the figures to denote the severity of the accident:
•
O – over three-day injury accident.
•
M – major injury accident.
•
F – fatal accident.
Where the year ends in ‘F’ this indicates that the accident data available for that year has been
finalised by HSE. Where the year ends in ‘P’ this indicates that provisional data was available
at the time that this project was initiated.
17
GLOBAL ANALYSIS
3.3
The following section provides information on electricity-related accidents in terms of the
industries in which they occurred, accident kind, occupation, work process, agent, age profile
and employment status. Supporting graphs are included where appropriate.
Figure 2 illustrates the number of electricity-related accidents for all industries over the last
seven years. It can be seen that the overall number of accidents has reduced consistently from
1996/97 to 2001/02, with a smooth transition with the introduction of the ICC system in
2001/02. This suggests that the electricity data sets pre- and post-ICC are compatible.
However, a distinct reduction in the number of electricity-related accidents reported can be seen
in 2002/03.
10000
9000
8000
7000
6000
O
M
F
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
199697F
199798F
199899F
199900F
200001F
200102F
200203P
Figure 2 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2002/03 by HSE
year
18
To ascertain whether the reduction in accidents reported in 2002/03 is a real trend or not, it is
necessary to consider the changes in accident coding introduced in 2002/03, namely the
adoption of the Standard Occupational Classification 2000 (SOC2000).
It can be seen from Figure 3 that the number of accidents reported to involve electric fitters has
reduced by around 1,500 between 2001/02 and 2002/03. The overall reduction in the number of
accidents between 2001/02 and 2002/03 was around 1,000. This suggests that the reduction in
the number of accidents reported may be linked to the reclassification of the electrical fitter
occupations in SOC 2000.
3500
3000
2500
2000
O
M
F
1500
1000
500
200102F
HGV DRIVER
LABOURER OTH
METAL
ROUTINE OPS NEC
TELECOM
PLANT OPS NEC
ENG PROS NEC
ASSEMBLER ELEC
SALES ASSISTANT
ELEC TECHNICIANS
OTH STORAGE
ELEC ENG NEC
PROCESS OPS
ELECTRICAL ENG
ELECTRIC FITTER
ROUTINE MANUFACT
GOODS DRIVER
SCIENTIFIC/ELEC
OTH MACH/PLANT
SALES ASSIST
OTHER MANUAL
OTH LABOUR
ENGINEER/TECHNOL
OTH ROUTINE OP
ASSEMBLY/LINE
MAINTAIN FITTER
OTHER MISC
DESPATCH CLERKS
ENGINE/ELEC
ELECTRIC FITTER
0
200203P
Figure 3 Electricity-related accidents reported between 2001/02 and 2002/03 by
occupation
19
Figure 4 shows that the largest number of electricity-related accidents were reported in the
electrical wiring installation industries. Significant numbers of accidents were also reported in
the construction building and telecommunications industries. Two distinct accident profiles are
evident in Figure 4. Installation of electric wiring and construction building both contain
significant proportions of major injury accidents. In the other industries, the accident profile
consists primarily of over 3-day injury accidents.
6000
5000
4000
O
M
F
3000
2000
1000
METAL
AIR/SPACE CRAFT
PLUMBING
ENGINE PARTS MV
ELECTRICITY
SHIPBUILD/REPAIR
OTH FAB METAL
OTH CONST (SPEC)
MAINT/REP M VEHS
WSALE ELEC
TELEGRAPH/PHONE
HOSPITAL_ACT
REP ELEC GOODS
LIGHTING EQPT
ACCUM/CELL/BATTS
ELEC EQP ENG/VEH
ELEC INST/APPLS
ELEC TRANS/SUPPL
ELEC GENERATION
OTH ELEC EQPT
GEN PUB SERVICES
ELEC DIST/CONT
ELEC MOTOR/GENS
VALVES/TUBES
INS WIRE/CABLE
ELEC DOM APPLS
TELECOMMS
RET ELEC APPLS
CONSTRUCTION
INST ELEC WIRING
0
Figure 4 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2002/03 by SIC
industry
20
Figure 5 shows the kinds of electricity-related accidents that have been reported over the sevenyear period. The figure is split into two to reflect the change in coding system for accident kind
in 2001/02 due to the introduction of the ICC. The change to the accident kind coding system
involved an expansion of the existing accident kinds into more detailed categories. Hence, the
accident kind codes used in 2001/02 and 2002/03 map onto the previous system.
Between 1996/97 and 2000/01, the largest number of accidents resulted from handling and
sprains, and the majority of these accidents led to over 3-day injuries. Significant numbers of
accidents also involved trips and being struck by falling objects. Similar numbers of accidents
involving contact with electricity and low falls were also reported. A similar pattern emerged
between 2001/02 and 2002/03. However, with the change to the ICC coding system, the
handling and sprains accidents have been reported under a range of categories (including
injuries due to lifting, putting down, handling, sharp objects, outward body movements and
other handling activities). Tripping over an obstruction is the most common type of trip.
Figure 6 shows that contact with electricity is the most significant source of fatal injury
accidents in this data set (104 out of a total of 173 fatal injury accidents), being involved in
more fatal injury accidents than the other accident kinds combined. The pattern for major injury
accidents is similar to that for the overall number of accidents shown in Figure 5.
21
22
HOT COLD
PHYS ASSAULT
OTHER-EXPOSED TO
HARM HANDLING
FORWARD
SLIP DRY
FALL STRUCT
UNKNOWN-HANDLING
OTHER-HIT FIXED
FALL EQUIP
HAND TOOL
CARRYING
UNKNOWN-TRIP
FALL UNSPEC
TRIP UNEVEN
HIGH FALL
OTHER
PUSH PULL
SLIP WET
STRUCTURE
MACHINERY
LOW FALL
OTHER-HANDLING
BODYMOVE
OTHER-HIT OBJECT
SHARP
LIFT PUTDOWN
ELECTRICITY
OTHER-TRIP
TRIP OBSTRUCT
09 DROWNING/ASPHYX
XX - NOT KNOWN
14 - ANIMAL
11 - FIRE
08 COLLAPSE/OVERTURN
12 - EXPLOSION
17 ASSAULT/VIOLENCE
03 - TRANSPORT
07X - FALL
15 - OTHER KIND
10 - EXPOSURE/HOT
SUB
07H - HIGH FALL
01 - MACHINERY
04 - STRIKE / STEP ON
07L - LOW FALL
13 - VOLT
02 - STRUCK BY
06 - TRIP
05 HANDLING/SPRAINS
18000
16000
14000
12000
10000
8000
O
M
F
6000
4000
2000
0
a) 1996/97 to 2000/01
1400
1200
1000
800
600
O
M
F
400
200
0
b) 2001/02 to 2002/03
Figure 5 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2002/03 by
accident kind
23
14 - ANIMAL
09 DROWNING/ASPHYX
XX - NOT KNOWN
11 - FIRE
08 COLLAPSE/OVERTURN
17 ASSAULT/VIOLENCE
12 - EXPLOSION
03 - TRANSPORT
15 - OTHER KIND
10 - EXPOSURE/HOT
SUB
07X - FALL
04 - STRIKE / STEP ON
01 - MACHINERY
07H - HIGH FALL
05 HANDLING/SPRAINS
13 - VOLT
02 - STRUCK BY
07L - LOW FALL
06 - TRIP
11 - FIRE
04 - STRIKE / STEP ON
15 - OTHER KIND
XX - NOT KNOWN
09 DROWNING/ASPHYX
07X - FALL
08 COLLAPSE/OVERTURN
07L - LOW FALL
03 - TRANSPORT
02 - STRUCK BY
12 - EXPLOSION
01 - MACHINERY
07H - HIGH FALL
13 - VOLT
120
100
80
60
F
40
20
0
a) Fatal injury accidents
3000
2500
2000
1500
M
1000
500
0
b) Major injury accidents
Figure 6 Fatal and major injury electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97
and 2002/03 by accident kind
Figure 7 shows the number of electricity-related accidents by occupation reported between
1996/97 and 2002/03. Although this figure is split in two, unlike the previous figures, this split
reflects the change to the SOC 2000 systems in 2002/03 rather than the introduction of the ICC
system. The figure indicates that the occupation predominantly involved in electricity accidents
in both periods is that of electric fitter. Electric fitters have been involved in the largest number
of fatal, major and over 3-day injury accidents. Electrical engineers were involved in significant
numbers of reported accidents in the first six-year period (around 55% of the numbers involving
electric fitter). A similar pattern was evident in 2002/03. However, the range of occupations is
now larger, and includes electrical technicians and other operators.
16000
14000
12000
10000
O
M
F
8000
6000
4000
2000
OTH PROC OP
OTH MACHINING
OTH CRAFT/MANUAL
CLEANERS
CARPENTER/JOINER
OTHER BUILDING
PLUMBER/HEATING
OTH
WELDERS
OTH LABOUR
ROUTINE METAL
ROUTINE MANUFACT
GOODS DRIVER
CABLE JOINTER
METAL MACHINING
DESPATCH CLERKS
METAL MACHINE OP
OTHER MANUAL
OTH MACH/PLANT
OTH ELECTRICAL
ELECTRIC/GENERAT
MAINTAIN FITTER
ENGINEER/TECHNOL
OTHER MISC
SCIENTIFIC/ELEC
ASSEMBLY/LINE
(blank)
OTH ROUTINE OP
ENGINE/ELEC
ELECTRIC FITTER
0
a) 1996/97 to 2001/02
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
O
M
F
1000
800
600
400
200
FOODDRINKTOBACCO
PACKER FILLER
VIDEO AUDIO ENG
SETTER OPERATOR
ELECTRONIC ENG
CONSTRUCTION NEC
VAN DRIVER
LINE REPAIRER
WELDING TRADES
PLUMBER HEATING
ELECTROPLATERS
GEN OFFICE CLERK
RETAIL MGR
ENG TECH
CLEANER/DOMESTIC
TRANSPORTOPSNEC
LABOURER OTH
HGV DRIVER
METAL PRODUCTION
ROUTINE OPS NEC
TELECOM ENGINEER
PLANT OPS NEC
ASSEMBLER ELEC
ENG PROS NEC
ELEC TECHNICIANS
SALES ASSISTANT
OTH STORAGE HAND
ELEC ENG NEC
PROCESS OPS
ELECTRICAL ENG
ELECTRIC FITTER
0
b) 2002/03
Figure 7 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2002/03 by
occupation
24
The types of accidents involving electric fitters are shown in Figure 8. This shows that handling
/ sprains and trips are involved most frequently in these accidents. Low falls, being struck by
falling objects and high falls also feature highly. Accidents involving contact with electricity
are the seventh most common accident kind, perhaps suggesting a greater awareness of the
hazards of electricity. The largest number of fatal and major injury accidents involved falls
(low-level, high-level or unclassified).
5000
4000
3000
O
M
F
2000
1000
09 DROWNING/ASPHYX
11 - FIRE
17 ASSAULT/VIOLENCE
08 COLLAPSE/OVERTURN
12 - EXPLOSION
14 - ANIMAL
XX - NOT KNOWN
03 - TRANSPORT
10 - EXPOSURE/HOT
SUB
15 - OTHER KIND
01 - MACHINERY
07X - FALL
13 - VOLT
04 - STRIKE / STEP ON
07H - HIGH FALL
07L - LOW FALL
02 - STRUCK BY
06 - TRIP
05 HANDLING/SPRAINS
0
Figure 8 Electricity-related accidents involving electric fitters between 1996/97 and
2002/03
25
Figure 9 shows the work processes that were being undertaken at the time of the electricityrelated accidents. Again, the figure is split into two to reflect the change in the ICC coding
system in 2001/02. For the five years between 1996/97 and 2000/01, on-site transfer and
general handling were the dominant work processes. However, on-site transfer includes a broad
collection of work processes including: ‘movement of persons, patients walking, materials or
part finished items between processes by pump, conveyor; manual or mechanical means’.
Further analysis of the on site transfer accidents in Figure 10 reveals that they predominantly
involved trips, falls and handling agents.
The data for the period 2001/02 to 2002/03 in Figure 9 provides a similar picture in terms of
handling, but also indicates the significance of maintenance and manufacturing activities.
26
27
OTHER HANDLING
STRUCTURAL
SCAFFOLDING
ROAD BUILD/REP
TEACHING
PACKING
NURSING
LAY/REPAIR
SOCIAL CARE ELSE
FOOD REP
FOUNDATION/EXCAV
TRAV ON HIGHWAY
WALK/RUN
TRAV IN VEHICLE
AMENITIES
VEHICLE REPAIR
ADMIN WORK
ENTER/LEAVE
CLEAN INTERNAL
SURFACE TREAT
SALES TO PUBLIC
STORING
LOAD/UNLOAD
LABOURING NEC
CLIMB/DESCEND EQ
ELECTRICAL
WALK/RUN ELSE
MAINTN MACHINES
PROD
OTH HANDLING
TOOL SETTING
FINISHING PROCS
GNRL PACKING
GNRL STORING
COMMISSIONING
ENGNRNG
GENERAL
GNRL
ELEC DIST GRND
BT GRND WKS
GNRL AMENITIES
GENERATION
CONSUMER
GROUND WORKS
FABRICATION
GNRL SERV
INADEQUATE
TRAVEL/DELIVER
MACHINING
GNRL INSTALL
GNRL ASSEMBLY
ELECTRICAL
GNRL LABOURING
GNRL OTH
LOAD/UNLOADING
DIST NETWORKS
(blank)
GNRL MAINTN
GNRL HANDLING
ON-SITE TRANSF
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
O
M
F
3000
2000
1000
0
a) 1996/97 to 2000/01
3000
2500
2000
1500
O
M
1000
F
500
0
b) 2001/02 to 2002/03
Figure 9 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2002/03 by work
process
28
FALL OTHER
HS WEIGHTL
WI SMALL
FALL LADDER-FIX
SB FREE FALL OBJ
FALL VEHICLE_OTH
SB LIFTED
FALL ACCESS_OTH
TRIP WET-
FALL ACCESS
FALL WORKAREA
TRIP WET-INDOOR
WI WALK
SB BUILDING
STRUCK BY
WI MOVEABLE
SB ARTICLE
VEH FLT
HS SHARP
HANDLING/SPRAINS
TRIPS/FALLS
WI FIXED
FALL LADDER-
HS AWKWARD
HS WEIGHT
FALL STAIRS
TRIP UNEVEN
TRIP SLIPPERY
TRIP
TRIP OBSTRUCT
1200
1000
800
600
O
M
400
F
200
0
Figure 10 Agents involved in electricity related on-site transfer accidents between
1996/97 and 2000/01
Figure 11 illustrates that in the 1996/97 to 2000/01 coding system the agents most frequently
involved in electricity-related accidents are those involving handling heavy, awkward or sharp
objects. These accidents result, primarily, in over 3-day injuries. The accidents resulting from
contact with electricity involved a number of agents including plant, domestic appliances and
underground cables. The ICC agent coding system for 2001/02 to 2002/03 does not include the
link to the accident kind available with the pre-ICC system. However, Figure 11 indicates that
in 2001/02 and 2002/03 electrical cables and other materials and machinery are the primary
agents involved with electricity-related accidents, followed by ‘floors’ (involving trips) and
moveable ladders (involving falls).
3500
3000
2500
2000
O
M
F
1500
1000
500
VEH FLT
HS WEIGHTL
FALL ACCESS
SB FLYING OBJECT
MMT MACH
SB LIFTED
SB BUILDING
WI MOVEABLE
VO UGCABLES
VO PLANT
VO DOMESTIC
MACHINERY
TRIPS/FALLS
SB FREE FALL OBJ
FALL STAIRS
SB HANDTOOL
VOLT
WI FIXED
TRIP UNEVEN
STRUCK BY
SB ARTICLE
TRIP SLIPPERY
TRIP
TRIP OBSTRUCT
FALL LADDER-
HS SHARP
HANDLING/SPRAINS
(blank)
HS AWKWARD
HS WEIGHT
0
a) 1996/97 to 2000/01
1400
1200
1000
800
O
M
F
600
400
200
OTHER SUBSTANCES
OTHER HAND TOOL
PARTICLES
SUB NO RISK
UGROUND CABLE
FLT
HAND TRUCKS
NO INFO
CUTTING
MACHINED PRTS
VEH COMPTS
FURNITURE
WATER
STORAGE ACCESS
DRILLING
BUILDING MATS
DOORS WALLS
ENERGY SYSTEM
OTHER SURF&STRUC
OTHER ENERGY SYS
MACH COMPTS
DOMESTIC EQUI
OTHER MACH&EQU
STAIRS STEPS
MISC PORT CON
INJD PERSON
MOVEABLE LADD
FLOORS
OTH ELEC CAB
OTHER MATS&MACH
0
b) 2001/02 to 2002/03
Figure 11 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2002/03 by
agent
29
Figure 12 shows the age distribution of those involved in all electricity-related accidents, whilst
Figure 13 shows the age distribution for the fatal injury accidents. In terms of the overall
number of accidents, around 6,000 to 7,000 accidents have been reported for each of the age
groups between 25 and 55 years old, with reducing numbers between 40 and 55. The fatal
injury accidents exhibit a distribution with around 20 to 25 fatal injury accidents being reported
for age ranges between 25 and 65, with increasing numbers between 40 and 55.
8000
7000
6000
5000
O
M
F
4000
3000
2000
1000
NOT KNOWN
65+
60 - 64
55 - 59
50 - 54
45 - 49
40 - 44
35 - 39
30 - 34
25 - 29
20 - 24
16 - 19
01 - 15
0
Figure 12 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2002/03 by age
25
20
15
F
10
5
NOT KNOWN
65+
60 - 64
55 - 59
50 - 54
45 - 49
40 - 44
35 - 39
30 - 34
25 - 29
20 - 24
16 - 19
0
Figure 13 Fatal electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2002/03
by age
30
Figure 14 shows the number of electricity-related accidents by employment status. Employees
are involved in the majority of the accidents.
60000
50000
40000
O
M
F
30000
20000
10000
0
EMPLOYED BY
OTHER
EMPLOYEE
SELF EMPLOYED
TRAINEE
WORK
EXPERIENCE
Figure 14 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2002/03 by
employment status
31
3.4
KEY RISK AREAS
3.4.1
Introduction
In the previous section, the accident statistics were presented for a range of fields including
occupation, industry, accident, work processes and agents involved in those accidents.
This section contains an analysis of the information presented in the previous section in terms of
the most significant risks affecting electricity-related accidents. Two techniques have been used
to identify the key risks:
•
Risk ranking matrices
•
Pattern matching analyses
These generic techniques were developed for the analysis of workplace transport accidents(8),
but are applicable to all analyses of RIDDOR accident data, and are applied here to electricityrelated risks. The techniques are described in the following sections.
Risk ranking methodology
3.4.2
Analyses are undertaken to rank each of the occupations, work processes and agents involved in
the electricity-related accidents in terms of their relative number of occurrences (‘likelihood’)
and impact. Each of these items can then be inserted into a risk matrix in the form shown in
Figure 15, and broadly categorised as being of relatively low risk (green), relatively high risk
(red) or somewhere in between (amber). This categorisation acts as a guide to the relative
significance of an item. Where there are a large number of items in the risk matrices, only those
items with medium-high and high likelihoods are shown in the figures.
Figure 15 Risk matrix combining likelihood and impact
Impact
L
ML
MH
H
Likelihood
H
MH
ML
L
The impact is calculated as a function of the cost of the accidents associated with a field (e.g.
occupation, agent etc.), both to society as a whole and to an individual worker. The two impacts
are combined to give an overall impact ranging between low (‘L’) and high (‘H’). The
monetary value of impact is calculated from the cost of accidents estimated by HSE(9). The
overall cost to society is estimated by summing the costs to society of all of the fatal, major and
over 3-day injury accidents reported in relation to a particular field. The cost to individuals is
estimated by summing the costs to individuals of all of the fatal, major and over 3-day injury
32
accidents and dividing the total cost of an item by the total number of accidents relating to that
field.
Each item of data is assigned to a quartile on the basis of its cost. The quartile positions are
obtained from the minimum, maximum and average cost values along with cost values mid-way
between the minimum and average, and average and maximum. The highest cost items whose
values fall between the maximum and the first quartile point are assigned to the first quartile.
Similarly, the remaining items are assigned to the second, third and fourth quartiles. The first
quartile corresponds to high (H) impact, with the fourth quartile corresponding to low (L)
impact.
The ‘likelihood’ is estimated from the overall number of accidents reported under a particular
item. If population and exposure data were available for each item within a field it would be
possible to calculate a ‘true’ likelihood. However, such population and exposure data are not
available for the type of global data being analysed here. Overall accident numbers are thus
used as a surrogate measure of likelihood. The underlying assumption is that those accidents
that occur in the largest numbers are the accidents that have the greatest likelihood of occurring.
Whether or not this assumption is valid, it is logical for attention to focus on accidents which
occur in large numbers with significant impact (i.e. fall in the red ‘zone’ of the risk matrices as
formulated here). The likelihood is determined by assigning each item within a field to a
quartile on the same basis as the accident impact / costs.
33
3.4.3
Risk ranking matrices
Based on the ranking analysis of the full seven year period, Figure 16 indicates that construction
building is the key risk area, followed by the installation of electrical wiring. This corresponds
with Figure 4 which reveals that installation of electric wiring and construction are two of the
three SIC industries which have the largest number of electricity accidents. The third SIC
industry, telecommunications, has similar accident numbers to construction, but the accidents
are less severe. Of the other areas with significant risks, three are directly involved in electricity
(electricity generation, electricity transmission / supply and the production and distribution of
electricity) whilst the others involve motor vehicles, steel working, shipbuilding and plumbing.
The electricity generation and transmission / supply industries are significant as a result of both
the number and severity of accidents.
Impact
L
Likelihood
H
MH
ML
TELECOMMS
MH
INST ELEC WIRING
RET ELEC APPLS
ELEC DOM APPLS
VALVES/TUBES
INS WIRE/CABLE
ELEC DIST/CONT
ELEC MOTOR/GENS
OTH ELEC EQPT
GEN PUB SERVICES
ELEC INST/APPLS
ELEC EQP ENG/VEH
LIGHTING EQPT
ACCUM/CELL/BATTS
REP ELEC GOODS
HOSPITAL_ACT
WSALE ELEC APP_ELEC
TELEGRAPH/PHONE
AIR/SPACE CRAFT
MOTOR VEHICLES
OTHER PLASTIC
DEFENCE
ENGINES/TURBINES
PRIM EDUCATION
WATER COL/PU/DIS
NON-DOM COOL/VEN
OTHER SERVICE_1
HOSPITAL_PBLC
TV//RADIO/VIDEO
WSALE ELEC APP_OTHR
SEWAGE/REF DISP
CASTING IRON
FREIGHT BY ROAD_ROAD
FIRST DEGREE
OTHER PRINTING_1
ELEC GENERATION
ELEC TRANS/SUPPL
MAINT/REP M VEHS
OTH FAB METAL
OTH CONST (SPEC)
SHIPBUILD/REPAIR
ELECTRICITY
PLUMBING
ENGINE PARTS MV
METAL STRUCTURES
GEN MECH ENGING
BREAD AND PASTRY
BASIC IRON/STEEL
LIFT/HAND EQUIP
OTH BUILD INSTAL
TREAT/COAT METAL
MACHINE TOOLS_2
ARCHITECT/ ENG _AT
GAS MANUF/DIST
OTHER FOOD_3
RET NON SP(FOOD)_TGN
OTH SPEC MACHRY
SEC EDUCATION
HIGHWAY/ROAD ETC
OTH BUILD COMPL
SOCIAL WORK(ACC)_SOC
MIXED FARMING
OTH RUBBER PRODS
OTH WATER TRANSP
CATERING
H
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
Figure 16 Electricity-related accidents 1996/97 to 2002/03 - Risk matrix for SIC
industry
34
Figure 17 shows the risk matrix for the accident kinds reported between 1996/97 and 2002/03.
It indicates that contact with electricity is the key risk area with the impact of an accident being
high. Trips are also a key risk area. Accident kinds in the amber zone may be considered as
presenting significant risks due to the high likelihoods (handling / sprains) or medium-high
impacts (high falls).
Figure 18 shows the risk matrix for the detailed accident kind criteria used in 2001/02 to
2002/03. The extra detail provides a similar picture. Contact with electricity is still the key risk
area with both a high impact and a high likelihood. The subdivision of the accident categories
has led to more detail being provided on the accident kinds in the amber zone. This subdivision
has also led to trips appearing in several categories in the amber zone rather than in one generic
category in the red zone.
L
H
MH
02 - STRUCK BY
07L - LOW FALL
MH
Likelihood
Impact
ML
05 - HANDLING/SPRAINS
06 - TRIP
13 - VOLT
10 - EXPOSURE/HOT SUB
04 - STRIKE / STEP ON
01 - MACHINERY
15 - OTHER KIND
17 - ASSAULT/VIOLENCE
14 - ANIMAL
07X - FALL
09 - DROWNING/ASPHYX
03 - TRANSPORT
12 - EXPLOSION
08 - COLLAPSE/OVERTURN
11 - FIRE
XX - NOT KNOWN
ML
L
H
07H - HIGH FALL
Figure 17 Electricity-related accidents 1996/97 to 2002/03 - Risk matrix for accident
kind
Impact
L
Likelihood
H
MH
CARRYING
ML HAND TOOL
ML
TRIP OBSTRUCT
OTHER-TRIP
LIFT PUTDOWN
SHARP
OTHER-HIT OBJECT
BODYMOVE
OTHER-HANDLING
MH
H
ELECTRICITY
LOW FALL
MACHINERY
STRUCTURE
SLIP WET
PUSH PULL
OTHER
HIGH FALL
TRIP UNEVEN
FALL UNSPEC
UNKNOWN-TRIP
FALL EQUIP
Figure 18 Electricity-related accidents 2001/02 to 2002/03 – Risk matrix for accident
kind
35
The risk matrix for occupations in the first six-year period is shown in Figure 19, and reveals
that in terms of impact and likelihood, electric fitter is the key risk occupation. This echoes
Figure 7 which indicated that electric fitter is the occupation that is predominantly involved in
accidents in the electricity. Of the other identifiable occupations, maintenance fitters, electricity
/ generation staff, goods drivers and construction workers also feature highly.
The risk matrix for the occupations reported in 2002/03 is shown in Figure 20. This also
highlights the significance of electric fitters as key risk occupations. In addition, Figure 20
indicates the significance of other occupations such as electrical engineers, electrical
technicians, engineering processes, labourers, transport operatives, line repairers and
construction workers.
Impact
L
H
Likelihood
MH
OTH CRAFT/MANUAL
OTH PROC OP
FORK LIFT DRIVER
ML PACKERS
VEHICLE TRADES
ML
ENGINE/ELEC
MH
ELECTRIC FITTER
(blank)
OTH ROUTINE OP
ASSEMBLY/LINE
OTHER MISC
SCIENTIFIC/ELEC
ENGINEER/TECHNOL
OTH ELECTRICAL
OTHER MANUAL
OTH MACH/PLANT
DESPATCH CLERKS
METAL MACHINE OP
METAL MACHINING
CABLE JOINTER
ROUTINE MANUFACT
ROUTINE METAL
OTH LABOUR
MAINTAIN FITTER
ELECTRIC/GENERAT
GOODS DRIVER
OTH CONSTRUCTION
WELDERS
CLEANERS
CARPENTER/JOINER
OTH MACHINING
SALES ASSIST
GENERAL MANAGERS
PLUMBER/HEATING
OTHER BUILDING
H
Figure 19 Electricity-related accidents 1996/97 to 2001/02 - Risk matrix for
occupation
36
Impact
L
ML
H
VIDEO AUDIO ENG
PACKER FILLER
PROCESS OPS
ELECTRICAL ENG
OTH STORAGE HAND
SALES ASSISTANT
ASSEMBLER ELEC
TELECOM ENGINEER
PLANT OPS NEC
METAL PRODUCTION
ROUTINE OPS NEC
HGV DRIVER
ENG TECH
CLEANER/DOMESTIC
GEN OFFICE CLERK
RETAIL MGR
PLUMBER HEATING
ELECTROPLATERS
WELDING TRADES
VAN DRIVER
SETTER OPERATOR
ELECTRONIC ENG
FOODDRINKTOBACCO
FORK-LIFT TRUCK
METAL MAKE/TREAT
OTH SERVICE MGR
ELEC ENG NEC
ELEC TECHNICIANS
ENG PROS NEC
LABOURER OTH
TRANSPORTOPSNEC
LINE REPAIRER
CONSTRUCTION NEC
MECH ENG
METAL WORKING
ROUTINE INSPECT
PAINTER DECORATE
PROD/PROC ENG
SCI/ENG TECH NEC
CUSTOMER CARE
MOTOR MECHANIC
NURSES
COMPUTER FITTER
CARE ASSISTANT
CATER ASSISTANT
SECURTY GUARD
PIPE FITTERS
CONSTRCT OPS NEC
PROD/MAINT MGR
AUTO ELECTRICIAN
CARPENTER
PROCES PLANT LAB
Likelihood
MH
ML
MH
ELECTRIC FITTER
H
Figure 20 Electricity-related accidents 2002/03 - Risk matrix for occupation
37
Figure 21 shows the risk matrix for the work processes undertaken in the first five years, whilst
Figure 22 shows the corresponding data for 2001/02 to 2002/03. On-site transfer and general
handling are the most significant risks between 1996/97 and 2000/01 followed by maintenance,
electrical work, servicing, electricity distribution and finishing processes. Other handling
activities, manufacture / production, surface treatment (painting) and electrical activities are the
most significant risks between 20001/02 and 2002/03. On-site transfer includes a broad
collection of work processes which have been categorised elsewhere under the ICC system,
possibly here coded as walk / run else or climbing / descending equipment.
Impact
L
ML
Likelihood
H
DIST NETWORKS
LOAD/UNLOADING
GNRL OTH
GNRL LABOURING
GNRL ASSEMBLY
GNRL INSTALL ETC
MACHINING
TRAVEL/DELIVER
FABRICATION
GROUND WORKS
CONSUMER PREMISE
GENERATION
GNRL AMENITIES
BT GRND WKS
GNRL EXAMINATION
GENERAL JOBBING
ENGNRNG INSTALL
COMMISSIONING
GNRL STORING
GNRL PACKING
TOOL SETTING
MH
LA BUILDINGS
PRESSING_MTL
CUTTING METALS
ELEC GEN GRND
ML
MH
ON-SITE TRANSF
GNRL HANDLING
GNRL MAINTN
ELECTRICAL
INADEQUATE DATA
GNRL SERV
ELEC DIST GRND
FINISHING PROCS
H
ADMIN
PLATING
FOUND GRND WKS
BUILDING MAINTN
Figure 21 Electricity-related accidents 1996/97 to 2000/01 - Risk matrix for work
process
Impact
L
ML
Likelihood
H
CLIMB/DESCEND EQ
LABOURING NEC
LOAD/UNLOAD
STORING
SALES TO PUBLIC
MH
ML
VEHICLE REPAIR
AMENITIES
MH
OTH HANDLING
PROD MANUFACTURE
MAINTN MACHINES
WALK/RUN
ELSE
ELECTRICAL
SURFACE TREAT
H
CLEAN INTERNAL
ENTER/LEAVE
ADMIN WORK
Figure 22 Electricity-related accidents in 2001/02 to 2002/03 - Risk matrix for work
process
38
Figure 23 shows the risk matrix for the agents involved in the electricity-related accidents
reported in the first five years, whilst Figure 24 shows the corresponding data for 2001/02 to
2002/03. Moveable ladders leading to falls are the key risk areas for the first five years along
with contact with electricity. Agents involving contact with electricity (such as domestic
appliances, underground cables, networks and hand tools) are significant risks along with other
agents from which falls can occur. A similar picture is found for the 2001/02 to 2002/03 period,
where electrical cables and moveable ladders are the most significant risks. Although the link
with accident kind is no longer present, it is likely that ladders are involved in falls, whilst the
energy systems and underground cable accidents also involve contact with electricity.
Impact
L
H
Likelihood
EH OBJECT
MH
LS DOG
SB HOISTS
MMT SAWING
MWR WRE/RPE/CBLE
ML
ML
HS WEIGHT
HS AWKWARD
HS SHARP
TRIP
OBSTRUCT
TRIP SLIPPERY
STRUCK BY
SB ARTICLE
TRIP UNEVEN
WI FIXED
FALL STAIRS
SB HANDTOOL
SB FREE FALL OBJ
TRIPS/FALLS
MACHINERY
WI MOVEABLE
SB LIFTED
SB BUILDING
MMT MACH
SB FLYING OBJECT
HS WEIGHTL
VEH FLT
WI WALK
OTHER
FALL VEHICLE_OTH
SB CHIPS
EH SPLASH
EX RELEASE6
FALL LADDER-OTH
SB VEHICLE
FALL ACCESS_OTH
EX EXPOSURE
TRIP WET-INDOOR
TRIP WET-OUTDOOR
MMT DRILLS
SB DRILLS
WI SMALL
EH
HOT
EXPOSE/EXPLODE
MMT PRESSES
EX RELEASE3
FALL PLANT
FALL VEHICLE
MMT GRINDING
VEH TRAN/GENERAL
MLC CONVEYOR
SB STAGING
FALL ROOFEDGE
EF FLASH
MH
FALL LADDER-MOVE
H
VO PLANT
VO DOMESTIC
VO UGCABLES
FALL ACCESS
FALL WORKAREA
FALL WORKPLAT
VO NETWORK
FALL OTHER
VO HANDTOOL
NOT KNOWN
FALL STRUCT
VOLT
VO SWITCH
EFFIRE/EXPLOSION
FALL FRAGILE
FALL TRENCH
FALL TOWER
VO OHLINES
Figure 23 Electricity accidents in all industries 1996/97 to 2000/01 - Risk matrix for
agent
39
Impact
L
Likelihood
H
MH
ML
OTHER MATS&MACH
INJD PERSON
MH
OTH ELEC CAB
FLOORS
MOVEABLE LADD
MISC PORT CON
STAIRS STEPS
OTHER MACH&EQU
MACH COMPTS
DOMESTIC EQUI
DOORS WALLS
ENERGY SYSTEM
DRILLING
BUILDING MATS
STORAGE ACCESS
WATER
FURNITURE
VEH COMPTS
MACHINED PRTS
CUTTING
FLT
SUB NO RISK
PARTICLES
OTHER HAND TOOL
OTHER SUBSTANCES
PIPE LINE WRK
NAILING
STRETCH WATER
ROLLS COILS
OFFICE EQUIP
MOB SCAFFOLD
OTHER EQUIPMENT
PERS NK TO EM
OTHER ENERGY SYS
OTHER SURF&STRUC
NO INFO
HAND TRUCKS
UGROUND CABLE
MOTORS
H
Figure 24 Electricity accidents in all industries 2001/02 to 2002/03 - Risk matrix for
agent
40
The risk matrix for age (Figure 25) shows that workers between the ages of 25 and 54 have
either a ‘medium high’ or ‘high’ risk in terms of impact and likelihood. Workers under the age
of 20 and over the age of 55 tend to have low risk rankings. This indicates that the levels of risk
are significant for all workers in relation to electricity-related accidents apart from the very
young and the very old. However, this may be a function of the age profile of workers
employed in electricity related activities.
Impact
L
ML
Likelihood
H
20 - 24
MH
H
50 - 54
55 - 59
NOT KNOWN
16 - 19
ML
L
MH
30 - 34
35 - 39
25 - 29
40 - 44
45 - 49
01 - 15
60 - 64
65+
Figure 25 Electricity accidents in all industries 1996/97 to 2002/03 - Risk matrix for
age
41
3.4.4
Pattern matching analyses
The analyses described in Sections 3.3 and 3.4.3 provide an insight into the relative significance
of single issues. Pattern matching analyses permit combinations of accident kinds, occupations,
work processes, agents and industries to be compared in order to identify which feature most
frequently. These analyses are carried out by comparing each accident record with every other
accident record in the data set in order to see how many matches each one has. Those
combinations that appear most frequently give an indication as to what may be considered to be
priority areas for intervention.
The pattern matching analyses can also be used in conjunction with the risk ranking matrices
described in Section 3.4.3 to prioritise the combinations in terms of their potential likelihood
and impact.
The pattern matching analyses are carried out separately for the first five years (1996/97 to
2000/01) and the subsequent two years (2001/02 to 2002/03). The change to the ICC coding
system in 2001/02 means that it is not possible to match accidents reported in the first five years
with those reported in the final two years. The change to the SOC 2000 system for occupations
in 2002/03 means that there are insufficient data to match the patterns with occupations for the
2001/02 to 2002/03 period. It will be possible to repeat the pattern matching exercise for the
recent accident data once the new coding systems have been established over several years, thus
providing greater insight.
The blank cells in the following tables result from those accidents reported via the local
authority enforced sectors during the period 1996/97 to 2000/01 where the coding system used
for occupations, work processes or agents was not compatible with that used in the HSEenforced sectors. If data were available they would likely split the row into several subsidiary
elements. The more meaningful figures, where the frequency of combinations is clear, are from
cases where all cells are filled in.
42
The most frequently occurring combinations of accident kinds and agents in the first five years
are shown in Table 13 for all injury severities, and in Table 14 for fatal and major injury
accidents. In terms of the overall accident numbers, handling and sprain injuries are
predominant, with heavy objects being the most significant followed by awkward and sharp
objects. Trip related accidents are the second most frequent combination and includes trips due
to obstructions and trips due to slippery surfaces.
When fatal and major injury accidents are taken into account, low falls from movable ladders
are the most frequent combination. This is followed by trips including those involving
obstructions. However, contact with electricity has resulted in the largest number of
combinations involving fatal injuries.
These analyses have been repeated to include matches for SIC industries (see Table 15 for all
accident injury severities and Table 16 for the fatal and major injury accidents). For the overall
accident numbers, the largest match is for handling / sprains injuries and trips. However, these
accidents were reported in the retail industries (enforced by local authorities) and, as such, it is
difficult to get a full picture due to the number of blank records. In terms of the readily
identifiable accident combinations, the most common matches involve handling and sprain
accidents in the telecommunications industries. When fatal and major accidents are taken into
account, the construction building and installation of electric wiring industries appear most
frequently. These accidents involve trips, low and high falls from ladders and, for construction
building, contact with electricity from underground cables.
The most frequently occurring combinations of accident kinds and agents in the subsequent two
years are shown in Table 17 for all injury severities, and in Table 18 for fatal and major injury
accidents. In terms of the overall accident numbers, trips involving electric cables are the most
common combination, followed by body strains, and trips on stairs / steps and floors. Low falls
from moveable ladders are common, followed by contact with electricity via cables.
When fatal and major injury accidents are taken into account, low and high falls from movable
ladders and trips are the most frequent combination. Contact with electricity has resulted in the
largest number of combinations involving fatal injuries. These include contact with electric
cables, underground cables and energy systems.
These analyses have been repeated to include matches for SIC industries (see Table 19 for all
accident injury severities and Table 20 for the fatal and major injury accidents). For the overall
accident numbers, the primary matches are for the electrical wiring installation industries and
involve a range of accidents of which low falls from ladders are the most significant. Others
include trips, handling / sprains and high falls from ladders.
When fatal and major accidents are taken into account, low and high falls in the wiring
installation industries dominate. Low falls from ladders in construction also feature
significantly. The fatal injuries resulting from contact with electricity appear to be distributed
among a range of industries as few appear among the common combinations.
43
Table 13 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2000/01 - Most
frequently occurring matches of fatal, major and over 3-day injury accidents for
accident kind and agent
Accident kind
Agent
F
M
O
Match
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS WEIGHT
0
115
3255
3370
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS AWKWARD
0
121
2577
2698
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS SHARP
0
266
2313
2579
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HANDLING/SPRAINS
0
117
2030
2147
TRIP
TRIP
0
454
1266
1720
TRIP
TRIP OBSTRUCT
0
488
1133
1621
TRIP
TRIP SLIPPERY
0
310
1059
1369
LOW FALL
FALL LADDER-MOVE
2
526
571
1099
STRUCK BY
SB ARTICLE
0
231
846
1077
0
84
948
1032
HANDLING/SPRAINS
STRUCK BY
STRUCK BY
3
194
812
1009
TRIP
TRIP UNEVEN
0
199
805
1004
VOLT
VOLT
19
303
625
947
STRIKE / STEP ON
WI FIXED
0
141
791
932
9
118
651
778
VOLT
HIGH FALL
FALL LADDER-MOVE
2
406
266
674
STRUCK BY
SB FREE FALL OBJ
1
136
411
548
STRUCK BY
SB HANDTOOL
0
65
477
542
VOLT
VO PLANT
11
182
312
505
MACHINERY
MACHINERY
1
106
393
500
44
Table 14 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2000/01 - Most
frequently occurring matches of fatal and major injury accidents for accident kind and
agent
Accident kind
Agent
F
M
O
F+M
LOW FALL
FALL LADDER-MOVE
2
526
571
528
TRIP
TRIP OBSTRUCT
0
488
1133
488
TRIP
TRIP
0
454
1266
454
HIGH FALL
FALL LADDER-MOVE
2
406
266
408
VOLT
VOLT
19
303
625
322
TRIP
TRIP SLIPPERY
0
310
1059
310
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS SHARP
0
266
2313
266
STRUCK BY
SB ARTICLE
0
231
846
231
TRIP
TRIP UNEVEN
0
199
805
199
STRUCK BY
STRUCK BY
3
194
812
197
VOLT
VO PLANT
11
182
312
193
VOLT
VO UGCABLES
5
172
204
177
STRIKE / STEP ON
WI FIXED
0
141
791
141
STRUCK BY
SB FREE FALL OBJ
1
136
411
137
TRIP
0
130
330
130
VOLT
9
118
651
127
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS AWKWARD
0
121
2577
121
VOLT
VO DOMESTIC
6
115
299
121
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HANDLING/SPRAINS
0
117
2030
117
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS WEIGHT
0
115
3255
115
45
Table 15 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2000/01 - Most
frequently occurring matches for accident kind, agent and industry
Accident kind
Agent
HANDLING/SPRAINS
Industry
F
M
O
Total
RET ELEC APPLS
0
55
704
759
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS AWKWARD
TELECOMMS
0
10
425
435
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS WEIGHT
TELECOMMS
0
8
378
386
RET ELEC APPLS
0
75
230
305
TRIP
VOLT
VO UGCABLES
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
4
104
126
234
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HANDLING/SPRAINS
TELECOMMS
0
3
227
230
LOW FALL
FALL LADDERMOVE
INST ELEC WIRING
1
118
101
220
LOW FALL
FALL LADDERMOVE
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
127
92
219
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS WEIGHT
ELEC DOM APPLS
0
1
214
215
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS WEIGHT
INS WIRE/CABLE
0
4
204
208
RET ELEC APPLS
0
54
142
196
STRUCK BY
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS SHARP
INST ELEC WIRING
0
31
154
185
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS AWKWARD
ELEC DOM APPLS
0
6
173
179
TRIP
TRIP
TELECOMMS
0
38
139
177
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS WEIGHT
ELEC DIST/CONT
0
4
171
175
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS WEIGHT
INST ELEC WIRING
0
12
161
173
TRIP
TRIP UNEVEN
TELECOMMS
0
14
158
172
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS AWKWARD
INST ELEC WIRING
0
15
156
171
HIGH FALL
FALL LADDERMOVE
INST ELEC WIRING
1
117
51
169
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HANDLING/SPRAINS
INST ELEC WIRING
0
20
145
165
46
Table 16 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2000/01 - Most
frequently occurring matches of fatal and major injury accidents for accident kind, agent
and industry
Accident kind
Agent
Industry
F
M
O
F+M
LOW FALL
FALL LADDER-MOVE
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
127
92
127
LOW FALL
FALL LADDER-MOVE
INST ELEC
WIRING
1
118
101
119
HIGH FALL
FALL LADDER-MOVE
INST ELEC
WIRING
1
117
51
118
VOLT
VO UGCABLES
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
4
104
126
108
RET ELEC APPLS
0
75
230
75
TRIP
HIGH FALL
FALL LADDER-MOVE
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
74
32
74
TRIP
TRIP OBSTRUCT
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
68
76
68
TRIP
TRIP OBSTRUCT
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
63
100
63
HANDLING/SPRAINS
RET ELEC APPLS
0
55
704
55
STRUCK BY
RET ELEC APPLS
0
54
142
54
VOLT
VOLT
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
1
48
75
49
TRIP
TRIP
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
45
58
45
TRIP
TRIP
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
40
107
40
TRIP
TRIP
TELECOMMS
0
38
139
38
HIGH FALL
FALL LADDER-MOVE
TELECOMMS
0
32
39
32
HANDLING/SPRAINS
HS SHARP
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
31
154
31
FALL
RET ELEC APPLS
0
31
58
31
FALL
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
29
23
29
TRIP
TRIP OBSTRUCT
ELEC DOM APPLS
0
28
67
28
TRIP
TRIP OBSTRUCT
VALVES/TUBES
0
28
60
28
47
Table 17 Electricity-related accidents reported between 2001/02 and 2002/03 - Most
frequently occurring matches of fatal, major and over 3-day injury accidents for
accident kind and agent
Accident kind
Agent
F
M
O
Match
TRIP OBSTRUCT
OTH ELEC CAB
0
248
488
736
BODYMOVE
INJD PERSON
0
15
676
691
OTHER-TRIP
STAIRS STEPS
0
104
338
442
OTHER-TRIP
FLOORS
0
122
256
378
LOW FALL
MOVEABLE LADD
0
190
177
367
ELECTRICITY
OTH ELEC CAB
9
74
202
285
TRIP UNEVEN
FLOORS
0
68
212
280
LIFT PUTDOWN
MISC PORT CON
0
4
205
209
OTHER-HIT OBJECT
OTHER MATS&MACH
0
49
157
206
HIGH FALL
MOVEABLE LADD
0
129
72
201
LIFT PUTDOWN
OTHER MATS&MACH
0
6
192
198
SHARP
OTHER MATS&MACH
0
22
144
166
SLIP WET
WATER
0
38
126
164
UNKNOWN-TRIP
FLOORS
0
54
107
161
FALL UNSPEC
MOVEABLE LADD
1
72
74
147
OTHER-HANDLING
OTHER MATS&MACH
0
14
132
146
TRIP OBSTRUCT
OTHER MATS&MACH
0
45
83
128
MACHINERY
OTHER MACH&EQU
0
26
101
127
ELECTRICITY
OTHER ENERGY SYS
3
26
77
106
LIFT PUTDOWN
DOMESTIC EQUI
0
5
100
105
48
Table 18 Electricity-related accidents reported between 2001/02 and 2002/03 - Most
frequently occurring matches of fatal and major injury accidents for accident kind and
agent
Accident kind
Agent
F
M
O
F+M
TRIP OBSTRUCT
OTH ELEC CAB
0
248
488
248
LOW FALL
MOVEABLE LADD
0
190
177
190
HIGH FALL
MOVEABLE LADD
0
129
72
129
OTHER-TRIP
FLOORS
0
122
256
122
OTHER-TRIP
STAIRS STEPS
0
104
338
104
ELECTRICITY
OTH ELEC CAB
9
74
202
83
FALL UNSPEC
MOVEABLE LADD
1
72
74
73
TRIP UNEVEN
FLOORS
0
68
212
68
UNKNOWN-TRIP
FLOORS
0
54
107
54
OTHER-HIT OBJECT
OTHER MATS&MACH
0
49
157
49
TRIP OBSTRUCT
OTHER MATS&MACH
0
45
83
45
SLIP WET
WATER
0
38
126
38
ELECTRICITY
UGROUND CABLE
1
30
57
31
ELECTRICITY
OTHER ENERGY SYS
3
26
77
29
MACHINERY
OTHER MACH&EQU
0
26
101
26
LOW FALL
STAIRS STEPS
0
25
39
25
SHARP
OTHER MATS&MACH
0
22
144
22
OTHER-TRIP
MOVEABLE LADD
0
22
49
22
OTHER
INJD PERSON
0
21
71
21
TRIP OBSTRUCT
MISC PORT CON
0
20
40
20
49
Table 19 Electricity-related accidents reported between 2001/02 and 2002/03 - Most
frequently occurring matches for accident kind, agent and industry
Accident kind
Agent
Industry
F
M
O
Total
LOW FALL
MOVEABLE LADD
INST ELEC WIRING
0
67
42
109
BODYMOVE
INJD PERSON
TELECOMMS
0
3
91
70
OTHER-TRIP
FLOORS
INST ELEC WIRING
0
28
45
45
BODYMOVE
INJD PERSON
INST ELEC WIRING
0
1
71
47
HIGH FALL
MOVEABLE LADD
INST ELEC WIRING
0
50
20
73
TRIP UNEVEN
FLOORS
INST ELEC WIRING
0
16
49
64
OTHER-TRIP
STAIRS STEPS
INST ELEC WIRING
0
26
38
57
LIFT PUTDOWN
DOMESTIC EQUI
RET ELEC APPLS
0
3
60
37
TRIP OBSTRUCT
OTH ELEC CAB
HOSPITAL_PBLC
0
23
34
46
FALL UNSPEC
MOVEABLE LADD
INST ELEC WIRING
1
28
18
36
TRIP OBSTRUCT
OTH ELEC CAB
GEN PUB SERVICES
0
17
29
65
BODYMOVE
INJD PERSON
RET ELEC APPLS
0
4
41
44
LOW FALL
MOVEABLE LADD
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
30
15
36
ELECTRICITY
OTH ELEC CAB
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
2
14
28
20
BODYMOVE
INJD PERSON
ELEC DOM APPLS
0
0
43
15
OTHER-TRIP
STAIRS STEPS
RET ELEC APPLS
0
6
35
26
TRIP OBSTRUCT
OTH ELEC CAB
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
20
17
24
BODYMOVE
INJD PERSON
GEN PUB SERVICES
0
0
36
19
ELECTRICITY
UGROUND CABLE
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
17
19
15
ELECTRICITY
OTH ELEC CAB
INST ELEC WIRING
2
12
22
13
50
Table 20 Electricity-related accidents reported between 2001/02 and 2002/03 - Most
frequently occurring matches of fatal and major injury accidents for accident kind, agent
and industry
Accident kind
Agent
Industry
F
M
O
F+M
LOW FALL
MOVEABLE LADD
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
67
42
67
HIGH FALL
MOVEABLE LADD
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
50
20
50
LOW FALL
MOVEABLE LADD
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
30
15
30
FALL UNSPEC
MOVEABLE LADD
INST ELEC
WIRING
1
28
18
29
OTHER-TRIP
FLOORS
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
28
45
28
OTHER-TRIP
STAIRS STEPS
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
26
38
26
TRIP OBSTRUCT
OTH ELEC CAB
HOSPITAL_PBLC
0
23
34
23
TRIP OBSTRUCT
OTH ELEC CAB
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
20
17
20
TRIP OBSTRUCT
OTH ELEC CAB
GEN PUB
SERVICES
0
17
29
17
ELECTRICITY
UGROUND CABLE
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
17
19
17
TRIP UNEVEN
FLOORS
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
16
49
16
ELECTRICITY
OTH ELEC CAB
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
2
14
28
16
ELECTRICITY
OTH ELEC CAB
INST ELEC
WIRING
2
12
22
14
OTHER-TRIP
STAIRS STEPS
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
10
10
10
LOW FALL
MOVEABLE LADD
TELECOMMS
0
10
5
10
TRIP UNEVEN
FLOORS
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
9
17
9
UNKNOWN-TRIP
FLOORS
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
9
15
9
TRIP OBSTRUCT
BUILDING MATS
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
9
10
9
TRIP OBSTRUCT
OTH ELEC CAB
IND
CLEANING_OTHR
0
9
6
9
LOW FALL
MOVEABLE LADD
OTH ELEC EQPT
0
9
4
9
51
Additional information can be obtained by considering the most frequently occurring
combinations of work processes in combination with the accident kinds and agents. These
combinations are shown in Table 21 for all injury severities, and in Table 22 for fatal and major
injury accidents in the first five years.
For the overall accident numbers, handling and sprain injuries are the predominant feature. In
particular, injuries involving handling of heavy weights appear more frequently than those that
involve the handling of sharp objects. Trips feature highly during on-site transfer activities.
The blank spaces under work process and agent refer to accidents that have been reported in the
local authority enforced sectors and, thus, it is difficult to categorise matches such as that
involve contact with electricity.
When considering the fatal and major injury accident combinations, accidents involving trips
whilst undertaking on-site transfer are the most frequently occurring matches where details are
available. The primary combinations involve contact with electricity are in the local authority
enforced sectors, and hence have little information available. The most significant identifiable
combinations involving contact with electricity involve plant and underground cables.
These analyses have been repeated to include matches for SIC industries (see Table 23 for all
accident injury severities and Table 24 for the fatal and major injury accidents). For the overall
accident numbers, handling and sprain injuries in the telecommunications industry have the
most frequently occurring matches. This is followed by handling / sprain injuries in the
domestic appliance industries and low falls from ladders whilst undertaking electrical work in
construction building industries.
For the fatal and major injury accidents, construction building is the most frequently occurring
industry, with low and high falls from ladders, trips, and contact with electricity during
electrical work, on-site transfer and ground works respectively. This pattern is repeated with the
installation of electric wiring which has a similar profile in terms of falls and trips.
The most frequently occurring combinations of work processes in combination with the
accident kinds and agents in 2001/02 and 2002/03 are shown in Table 25 for all injury
severities, and in Table 26 for fatal and major injury accidents in the subsequent two years of
2001/02 and 2002/03.
For the overall accident numbers, trips are the predominant feature. In particular, these trips
involve workers tripping over electrical cables whilst moving about, and stairs / steps when
climbing or descending equipment, vehicles or steps. Low falls from ladders also feature as key
areas whilst undertaking electrical work. When considering the fatal and major injury accident
combinations, low and high falls from ladders whilst undertaking electrical work are on a par
with trips. Accidents combinations involving contact with electricity from electrical cables are
the next most significant combination.
These analyses have been repeated to include matches for SIC industries (see Table 27 for all
accident injury severities and Table 28 for the fatal and major injury accidents). For the overall
accident numbers, low falls from ladders whilst undertaking electrical work in the electrical
installation industries are the most frequently occurring matches. This is followed by trips in
the same industries. For the fatal and major injury accidents, the electrical installation
industries are the most frequently occurring industries, with low and high falls from ladders.
52
Table 21 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2000/01 - Most
frequently occurring matches of fatal, major and over 3-day injury accidents for
accident kind, work process and agent
Accident Kind
Work Process
Agent
F
M
O
Match
HANDLING/SPRAINS
GNRL HANDLING
HS WEIGHT
0
45
1394
1439
HANDLING/SPRAINS
GNRL HANDLING
HS SHARP
0
112
975
1087
0
84
948
1032
HANDLING/SPRAINS
TRIP
ON-SITE TRANSF
TRIP OBSTRUCT
0
309
708
1017
TRIP
ON-SITE TRANSF
TRIP
0
218
657
875
HANDLING/SPRAINS
GNRL HANDLING
HANDLING/SPRAI
NS
0
43
800
843
HANDLING/SPRAINS
GNRL HANDLING
HS AWKWARD
0
31
796
827
9
118
650
777
VOLT
TRIP
ON-SITE TRANSF
TRIP SLIPPERY
0
185
579
764
TRIP
ON-SITE TRANSF
TRIP UNEVEN
0
126
451
577
HANDLING/SPRAINS
LOAD/UNLOADING
HS WEIGHT
0
18
545
563
0
130
330
460
TRIP
HANDLING/SPRAINS
ON-SITE TRANSF
HS WEIGHT
0
16
346
362
STRUCK BY
GNRL HANDLING
SB ARTICLE
0
72
250
322
0
76
229
305
STRUCK BY
LOW FALL
ON-SITE TRANSF
FALL STAIRS
0
69
219
288
HANDLING/SPRAINS
DIST NETWORKS
HS AWKWARD
0
7
274
281
HANDLING/SPRAINS
ON-SITE TRANSF
HS AWKWARD
0
10
268
278
HANDLING/SPRAINS
GNRL MAINTN
HS AWKWARD
0
10
258
268
HANDLING/SPRAINS
GNRL MAINTN
HS SHARP
0
24
235
259
53
Table 22 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2000/01 - Most
frequently occurring matches of fatal and major injury accidents for accident kind, work
process and agent
Accident Kind
Work Process
Agent
F
M
O
F+M
TRIP
ON-SITE TRANSF
TRIP OBSTRUCT
0
309
708
309
TRIP
ON-SITE TRANSF
TRIP
0
218
657
218
TRIP
ON-SITE TRANSF
TRIP SLIPPERY
0
185
579
185
LOW FALL
ELECTRICAL
FALL LADDERMOVE
0
148
102
148
TRIP
0
130
330
130
VOLT
9
118
650
127
TRIP
ON-SITE TRANSF
TRIP UNEVEN
0
126
451
126
HANDLING/SPRAINS
GNRL HANDLING
HS SHARP
0
112
975
112
HIGH FALL
ELECTRICAL
FALL LADDERMOVE
1
96
47
97
LOW FALL
GNRL MAINTN
FALL LADDERMOVE
2
92
97
94
HANDLING/SPRAINS
0
84
948
84
STRUCK BY
0
76
229
76
FALL
0
73
101
73
STRUCK BY
GNRL HANDLING
SB ARTICLE
0
72
250
72
LOW FALL
ON-SITE TRANSF
FALL STAIRS
0
69
219
69
VOLT
GNRL MAINTN
VO PLANT
3
66
97
69
LOW FALL
ON-SITE TRANSF
FALL LADDERMOVE
0
66
109
66
HIGH FALL
GNRL MAINTN
FALL LADDERMOVE
0
58
48
58
HIGH FALL
GNRL INSTALL
ETC
FALL LADDERMOVE
0
57
30
57
VOLT
GROUND WORKS
VO UGCABLES
0
56
60
56
54
Table 23 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2000/01 - Most
frequently occurring matches for accident kind, work process, agent and industry
Accident kind
Industry
F
M
O
Total
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
55
704
759
TRIP
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
75
230
305
STRUCK BY
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
54
142
196
TELECOMMS
0
5
155
141
WSALE ELEC
APP_ELEC
0
10
131
136
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
Work process
DIST
NETWORKS
Agent
HS AWKWARD
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
GNRL
HANDLING
HS WEIGHT
TELECOMMS
0
3
125
116
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
DIST
NETWORKS
HS WEIGHT
TELECOMMS
0
2
119
113
RET NON
SP(FOOD)_TGN
0
9
107
99
ELEC DOM
APPLS
0
0
114
96
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
27
86
96
VOLT
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
GNRL
HANDLING
HS WEIGHT
STRIKE / STEP
ON
LOW FALL
ELECTRICAL
FALL LADDERMOVE
CONSTRUCTIO
N BLD_BLD
0
67
41
89
TRIP
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
OBSTRUCT
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
43
63
78
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
GNRL
HANDLING
HS WEIGHT
INS
WIRE/CABLE
0
2
103
76
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
15
81
75
TELECOMMS
0
2
91
62
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
31
58
58
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
DIST
NETWORKS
HANDLING/SP
RAINS
FALL
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
GNRL
HANDLING
HS AWKWARD
TELECOMMS
0
1
88
56
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
GNRL
HANDLING
HS SHARP
ELEC
MOTOR/GENS
0
3
83
56
TRIP
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
OBSTRUCT
CONSTRUCTIO
N BLD_BLD
0
45
41
54
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
GNRL
HANDLING
HS AWKWARD
ELEC DOM
APPLS
0
0
83
54
55
Table 24 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2000/01 - Most
frequently occurring matches of fatal and major injury accidents for accident kind, work
process and agent
Accident kind
Work process
Agent
Industry
F
M
O
F+M
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
75
230
75
CONSTRUCTI
ON BLD_BLD
0
67
41
67
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
55
704
55
STRUCK BY
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
54
142
54
TRIP
LOW FALL
ELECTRICAL
FALL LADDERMOVE
TRIP
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP OBSTRUCT
CONSTRUCTI
ON BLD_BLD
0
45
41
45
TRIP
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP OBSTRUCT
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
43
63
43
HIGH FALL
ELECTRICAL
FALL LADDERMOVE
CONSTRUCTI
ON BLD_BLD
0
42
15
42
VOLT
GROUND
WORKS
VO UGCABLES
CONSTRUCTI
ON BLD_BLD
0
40
42
40
LOW FALL
ELECTRICAL
FALL LADDERMOVE
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
40
23
40
HIGH FALL
ELECTRICAL
FALL LADDERMOVE
INST ELEC
WIRING
1
33
13
34
FALL
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
31
58
31
FALL
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
29
23
29
STRIKE / STEP
ON
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
27
86
27
TRIP
WSALE ELEC
APP_ELEC
0
26
52
26
TRIP
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
CONSTRUCTI
ON BLD_BLD
0
24
33
24
VOLT
FOUND GRND
WKS
VO UGCABLES
CONSTRUCTI
ON BLD_BLD
1
18
27
19
INST ELEC
WIRING
2
17
12
19
HIGH FALL
TRIP
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP OBSTRUCT
VALVES/TUB
ES
0
18
45
18
TRIP
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP OBSTRUCT
ELEC DOM
APPLS
0
18
43
18
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
18
31
18
LOW FALL
56
Table 25 Electricity-related accidents reported between 2001/02 and 2002/03 - Most
frequently occurring matches of fatal, major and over 3-day injury accidents for
accident kind, work process and agent
Accident Kind
Work Process
Agent
F
M
O
Match
TRIP OBSTRUCT
WALK/RUN ELSE
OTH ELEC CAB
0
102
208
310
OTHER-TRIP
CLIMB/DESCEND
EQ
STAIRS STEPS
0
70
233
303
BODYMOVE
OTH HANDLING
INJD PERSON
0
3
177
180
LOW FALL
ELECTRICAL
MOVEABLE LADD
0
79
53
132
OTHER-TRIP
WALK/RUN ELSE
FLOORS
0
36
94
130
TRIP UNEVEN
WALK/RUN ELSE
FLOORS
0
24
99
123
LOW FALL
CLIMB/DESCEND
EQ
MOVEABLE LADD
0
57
64
121
BODYMOVE
PROD
MANUFACTURE
INJD PERSON
0
0
101
101
LIFT PUTDOWN
OTH HANDLING
OTHER
MATS&MACH
0
4
97
101
BODYMOVE
MAINTN MACHINES
INJD PERSON
0
3
90
93
BODYMOVE
ELECTRICAL
INJD PERSON
0
2
89
91
LIFT PUTDOWN
OTH HANDLING
MISC PORT CON
0
0
90
90
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRICAL
OTH ELEC CAB
2
27
47
76
TRIP OBSTRUCT
PROD
MANUFACTURE
OTH ELEC CAB
0
16
59
75
SHARP
OTH HANDLING
OTHER
MATS&MACH
0
11
62
73
OTHER-HIT OBJECT
OTH HANDLING
OTHER
MATS&MACH
0
17
51
68
HIGH FALL
ELECTRICAL
MOVEABLE LADD
0
43
21
64
OTHER-HANDLING
OTH HANDLING
OTHER
MATS&MACH
0
8
52
60
SLIP WET
WALK/RUN ELSE
WATER
0
11
48
59
BODYMOVE
LABOURING NEC
INJD PERSON
0
1
57
58
57
Table 26 Electricity-related accidents reported between 2001/02 and 2002/03 - Most
frequently occurring matches of fatal and major injury accidents for accident kind, work
process and agent
Accident Kind
Work Process
Agent
F
M
O
F+M
TRIP OBSTRUCT
WALK/RUN ELSE
OTH ELEC CAB
0
102
208
102
LOW FALL
ELECTRICAL
MOVEABLE LADD
0
79
53
79
OTHER-TRIP
CLIMB/DESCEND
EQ
STAIRS STEPS
0
70
233
70
LOW FALL
CLIMB/DESCEND
EQ
MOVEABLE LADD
0
57
64
57
HIGH FALL
ELECTRICAL
MOVEABLE LADD
0
43
21
43
OTHER-TRIP
WALK/RUN ELSE
FLOORS
0
36
94
36
HIGH FALL
MAINTN MACHINES
MOVEABLE LADD
0
35
13
35
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRICAL
OTH ELEC CAB
2
27
47
29
FALL UNSPEC
ELECTRICAL
MOVEABLE LADD
1
27
22
28
HIGH FALL
CLIMB/DESCEND
EQ
MOVEABLE LADD
0
27
24
27
TRIP UNEVEN
WALK/RUN ELSE
FLOORS
0
24
99
24
LOW FALL
MAINTN MACHINES
MOVEABLE LADD
0
23
23
23
TRIP OBSTRUCT
WALK/RUN ELSE
OTHER
MATS&MACH
0
22
36
22
UNKNOWN-TRIP
WALK/RUN ELSE
FLOORS
0
22
35
22
FALL UNSPEC
CLIMB/DESCEND
EQ
MOVEABLE LADD
0
22
24
22
TRIP OBSTRUCT
CLEAN INTERNAL
OTH ELEC CAB
0
22
20
22
OTHER-TRIP
CLIMB/DESCEND
EQ
FLOORS
0
18
32
18
OTHER-HIT OBJECT
OTH HANDLING
OTHER
MATS&MACH
0
17
51
17
TRIP OBSTRUCT
PROD
MANUFACTURE
OTH ELEC CAB
0
16
59
16
TRIP OBSTRUCT
ADMIN WORK
OTH ELEC CAB
0
14
40
14
58
Table 27 Electricity-related accidents reported between 2001/02 and 2002/03 - Most
frequently occurring matches for accident kind, work process, agent and industry
Accident kind
Work process
Agent
Industry
F
M
O
Total
LOW FALL
ELECTRICAL
MOVEABLE
LADD
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
34
14
48
OTHER-TRIP
CLIMB /
DESCEND EQ
STAIRS STEPS
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
20
25
45
LOW FALL
CLIMB /
DESCEND EQ
MOVEABLE
LADD
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
22
14
36
TRIP UNEVEN
WALK/RUN
ELSE
FLOORS
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
5
29
34
OTHER-TRIP
CLIMB /
DESCEND EQ
STAIRS STEPS
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
5
26
31
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRICAL
OTH ELEC CAB
INST ELEC
WIRING
1
10
18
29
BODYMOVE
OTH
HANDLING
INJD PERSON
TELECOMMS
0
0
26
26
OTHER-TRIP
CLIMB /
DESCEND EQ
STAIRS STEPS
TELECOMMS
0
2
24
26
HIGH FALL
ELECTRICAL
MOVEABLE
LADD
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
17
8
25
LOW FALL
ELECTRICAL
MOVEABLE
LADD
CONSTRUCTIO
N BLD_BLD
0
17
6
23
BODYMOVE
OTH
HANDLING
INJD PERSON
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
0
22
22
HIGH FALL
CLIMB /
DESCEND EQ
MOVEABLE
LADD
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
14
8
22
OTHER-TRIP
WALK/RUN
ELSE
FLOORS
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
6
16
22
TRIP
OBSTRUCT
WALK/RUN
ELSE
OTH ELEC CAB
GEN PUB
SERVICES
0
5
16
21
BODYMOVE
ELECTRICAL
INJD PERSON
TELECOMMS
0
1
19
20
LIFT PUTDOWN
OTH
HANDLING
DOMESTIC
EQUI
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
2
18
20
TRIP
OBSTRUCT
WALK/RUN
ELSE
OTH ELEC CAB
CONSTRUCTIO
N BLD_BLD
0
11
8
19
TRIP
OBSTRUCT
WALK/RUN
ELSE
OTH ELEC CAB
HOSPITAL_PBL
C
0
8
11
19
BODYMOVE
MAINTN
MACHINES
INJD PERSON
TELECOMMS
0
0
18
18
LIFT PUTDOWN
LOAD /
UNLOAD
DOMESTIC
EQUI
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
1
17
18
59
Table 28 Electricity-related accidents reported between 2001/02 and 2002/03 - Most
frequently occurring matches of fatal and major injury accidents for accident kind, work
process and agent
Accident kind
Work process
Agent
Industry
F
M
O
F+M
LOW FALL
ELECTRICAL
MOVEABLE
LADD
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
34
14
34
LOW FALL
CLIMB /
DESCEND EQ
MOVEABLE
LADD
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
22
14
22
OTHER-TRIP
CLIMB /
DESCEND EQ
STAIRS STEPS
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
20
25
20
HIGH FALL
ELECTRICAL
MOVEABLE
LADD
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
17
8
17
LOW FALL
ELECTRICAL
MOVEABLE
LADD
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
17
6
17
HIGH FALL
CLIMB /
DESCEND EQ
MOVEABLE
LADD
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
14
8
14
HIGH FALL
MAINTN
MACHINES
MOVEABLE
LADD
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
13
2
13
FALL UNSPEC
ELECTRICAL
MOVEABLE
LADD
INST ELEC
WIRING
1
11
5
12
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRICAL
OTH ELEC
CAB
INST ELEC
WIRING
1
10
18
11
TRIP
OBSTRUCT
WALK/RUN ELSE
OTH ELEC
CAB
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
11
8
11
TRIP
OBSTRUCT
WALK/RUN ELSE
OTH ELEC
CAB
HOSPITAL_PBLC
0
8
11
8
LOW FALL
CLIMB /
DESCEND EQ
MOVEABLE
LADD
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
8
6
8
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRICAL
OTH ELEC
CAB
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
8
5
8
FALL UNSPEC
CLIMB /
DESCEND EQ
MOVEABLE
LADD
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
7
7
7
LOW FALL
ELECTRICAL
STAIRS STEPS
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
7
3
7
OTHER-TRIP
WALK/RUN ELSE
FLOORS
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
6
16
6
OTHER-TRIP
ELECTRICAL
FLOORS
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
6
6
6
OTHER-TRIP
CLIMB /
DESCEND EQ
STAIRS STEPS
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
6
5
6
OTHER-TRIP
CLIMB /
DESCEND EQ
FLOORS
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
6
5
6
OTHER-TRIP
MAINTN
MACHINES
FLOORS
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
6
2
6
60
The fourth field of information to be considered in the accident combinations is the occupation
of the injured worker. The most frequently occurring combinations of accident kind,
occupation, work process and agent are shown in Table 29 for all injury severities, and in Table
30 for fatal and major injury accidents.
For the overall accident numbers, it can be seen that electric fitter is involved in the largest
number of accidents, generally during handling or on-site transfer activities. These accidents
typically involve trips and handling and sprains injuries. It is interesting to note that accidents
due to contact with electricity do not feature among the most frequent combinations. This is in
contrast to the previous accident combinations where contact with electricity frequently featured
in the analyses. In terms of fatal and major injury accidents, electric fitters have been involved
in low and high falls from ladders either during electrical or maintenance work. The majority of
the other common matches involve electric fitters in trips.
These analyses have been repeated to include matches for SIC industries (see Table 31 for all
accident injury severities and Table 32 for the fatal and major injury accidents) and again,
electric fitter features prominently. For the overall accident numbers, electric fitters are
involved most frequently in handling and sprain injuries in the telecommunications industry and
low falls from ladders in the construction industry. For the fatal and major injury accidents,
electric fitters are involved most frequently in low falls from ladders and trips from
obstructions. These occured predominantly in the construction and electrical wiring installation
industries while undertaking electrical or on-site transfer activities.
No analyses are presented for 2001/02 or 2002/03 as the coding system for accident kinds, work
processes and agents changed in 2001/02, whilst the coding system for occupations changed in
2002/03. One year’s worth of data is insufficient to identify underlying trends using pattern
matching.
61
Table 29 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2001/01 - Most
frequently occurring matches for accident kind, occupation, work process and agent
Accident Kind
Occupation
Work Process
Agent
F
M
O
Total
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
0
84
948
1032
VOLT
9
118
650
777
TRIP
0
130
330
460
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
ELECTRIC
FITTER
GNRL
HANDLING
HS WEIGHT
0
9
376
385
TRIP
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
OBSTRUCT
0
103
213
316
TRIP
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
0
71
235
306
0
76
229
305
STRUCK BY
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
ENGINE / ELEC
GNRL
HANDLING
HS WEIGHT
0
19
284
303
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
ENGINE / ELEC
GNRL
HANDLING
HS SHARP
0
30
243
273
TRIP
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
SLIPPERY
0
54
197
251
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
ELECTRIC
FITTER
GNRL
HANDLING
HS
AWKWARD
0
13
217
230
TRIP
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP UNEVEN
0
48
180
228
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
ELECTRIC
FITTER
GNRL
HANDLING
HS SHARP
0
23
203
226
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
ELECTRIC
FITTER
GNRL
HANDLING
HANDLING/S
PRAINS
0
6
203
209
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
ELECTRIC
FITTER
DIST
NETWORKS
HS
AWKWARD
0
6
198
204
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
ENGINE / ELEC
GNRL
HANDLING
HANDLING/S
PRAINS
0
12
188
200
LOW FALL
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ELECTRICAL
FALL
LADDERMOVE
0
103
72
175
0
73
101
174
FALL
TRIP
ENGINE / ELEC
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
0
43
130
173
TRIP
ENGINE/ELEC
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
OBSTRUCT
0
62
107
169
62
Table 30 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2001/01 - Most
frequently occurring matches of fatal and major injury accidents for accident kind,
occupation, work process and agent
Accident Kind
Occupation
Work Process
Agent
F
M
O
F+M
TRIP
0
130
330
130
VOLT
9
118
650
127
TRIP
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
OBSTRUCT
0
103
213
103
LOW FALL
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ELECTRICAL
FALL LADDERMOVE
0
103
72
103
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
0
84
948
84
STRUCK BY
0
76
229
76
FALL
0
73
101
73
TRIP
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
0
71
235
71
HIGH FALL
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ELECTRICAL
FALL LADDERMOVE
1
65
32
66
LOW FALL
ELECTRIC
FITTER
GNRL
MAINTN
FALL LADDERMOVE
1
64
57
65
TRIP
ENGINE/ELEC
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
OBSTRUCT
0
62
107
62
TRIP
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP SLIPPERY
0
54
197
54
TRIP
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP UNEVEN
0
48
180
48
LOW FALL
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ON-SITE
TRANSF
FALL LADDERMOVE
0
44
62
44
TRIP
ENGINE/ELEC
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
0
43
130
43
1
38
119
39
STRIKE / STEP
ON
TRIP
ENGINE/ELEC
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP SLIPPERY
0
38
98
38
HIGH FALL
ELECTRIC
FITTER
GNRL
INSTALL ETC
FALL LADDERMOVE
0
34
13
34
0
32
56
32
0
31
30
31
LOW FALL
HIGH FALL
ELECTRIC
FITTER
GNRL
MAINTN
63
FALL LADDERMOVE
Table 31 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2001/01 - Most
frequently occurring matches for accident kind, occupation, work process, agent and
industry
Accident Kind
Industry
F
M
O
Total
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
55
704
759
TRIP
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
75
230
305
STRUCK BY
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
54
142
196
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
WSALE
ELEC
APP_ELEC
0
10
131
141
TELECOM
MS
0
5
131
136
VOLT
RET NON
SP(FOOD)_
TGN
0
9
107
116
STRIKE /
STEP ON
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
27
86
113
TELECOM
MS
0
2
97
99
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
15
81
96
TELECOM
MS
0
1
95
96
FALL
RET ELEC
APPLS
0
31
58
89
TRIP
WSALE
ELEC
APP_ELEC
0
26
52
78
CONSTRUC
TION
BLD_BLD
0
45
31
76
RESTAURA
NTS
1
12
62
75
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
Occupation
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ELECTRIC
FITTER
Work Process
DIST
NETWORKS
GNRL
HANDLING
Agent
HS
AWKWARD
HS WEIGHT
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
LOW FALL
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ELECTRIC
FITTER
DIST
NETWORKS
ELECTRICAL
HS WEIGHT
FALL
LADDERMOVE
VOLT
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
ELECTRIC
FITTER
GNRL
HANDLING
HS
AWKWARD
TELECOM
MS
0
1
61
62
TRIP
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
UNEVEN
TELECOM
MS
0
8
50
58
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
17
39
56
TELECOM
MS
0
2
54
56
VOLT
HOTELS/M
OTEL (R)
1
9
44
54
VOLT
RET OTH
NON-SPEC
0
6
48
54
TRIP
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
ELECTRIC
FITTER
DIST
NETWORKS
HANDLING/
SPRAINS
64
Table 32 Electricity-related accidents reported between 1996/97 and 2001/01 - Most
frequently occurring matches of fatal and major injury accidents for accident kind,
occupation, work process, agent and industry
Accident Kind
Industry
F
M
O
F+M
TRIP
RET ELEC APPLS
0
75
230
75
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
RET ELEC APPLS
0
55
704
55
STRUCK BY
RET ELEC APPLS
0
54
142
54
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
45
31
45
RET ELEC APPLS
0
31
58
31
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
31
17
31
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
29
23
29
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
29
23
29
STRIKE /
STEP ON
RET ELEC APPLS
0
27
86
27
TRIP
WSALE ELEC
APP_ELEC
0
26
52
26
LOW FALL
Occupation
ELECTRIC
FITTER
Work
Process
ELECTRIC
AL
Agent
FALL
LADDERMOVE
FALL
LOW FALL
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ELECTRIC
AL
FALL
LADDERMOVE
FALL
TRIP
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
OBSTRUCT
HIGH FALL
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ELECTRIC
AL
FALL
LADDERMOVE
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
26
12
26
HIGH FALL
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ELECTRIC
AL
FALL
LADDERMOVE
INST ELEC
WIRING
1
21
8
22
TRIP
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
OBSTRUCT
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
19
27
19
HIGH FALL
INST ELEC
WIRING
2
17
12
19
LOW FALL
RET ELEC APPLS
0
18
31
18
TRIP
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
17
39
17
TRIP
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ON-SITE
TRANSF
TRIP
CONSTRUCTION
BLD_BLD
0
17
23
17
LOW FALL
ELECTRIC
FITTER
ON-SITE
TRANSF
FALL
LADDERMOVE
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
16
10
16
INST ELEC
WIRING
0
15
81
15
TELECOMMS
0
14
19
14
HANDLING /
SPRAINS
HIGH FALL
ELECTRIC
FITTER
DIST
NETWOR
KS
FALL
LADDERMOVE
65
66
4.
CONCLUSIONS
In relation to the initial objectives, the following conclusions can be drawn from the work
undertaken in this project:
Objective 1:
To develop an electricity related accident data set from ‘supply to
switch’ to provide a baseline for measuring improvements across a
range of industry sectors.
1.
A data set for electricity-related accidents has been built from the RIDDOR accident
data reported to HSE between 1996/97 and 2002/03. This data set has been defined on
the basis of including only those accidents whose industries, accident kind,
occupation, work process or agent is related to electricity, and / or whose notifier
comments or investigation reports contain an electricity-related keyword.
2.
The defined data set includes those accidents that involve those working with or
around electricity. This provides a broad data set that includes those workers that
have suffered handling / sprain injuries, trips or falls whilst undertaking electricity
related work as well as those injured through contact with electricity. As a result, best
use can be made of HSE resources in targeting groups of workers involved in
activities such as cabling where HSE’s falls from height, slips and trips, and
musculoskeletal disorder priority programmes may want to get their messages over to
the same group.
3.
Using the proposed criteria, 56,597 electricity-related accidents have been identified
as having been reported over the last seven years.
4.
There are potential discontinuities in the data set, largely as a result of the
implementation of the Incident Contact Centre in 2001/02 and the coincident change
in the accident coding system.
Objective 2:
Analyse the electricity related accident data to gain an insight into what
electricity-related accidents occur, who was involved in them, what they
were doing at the time.
5.
The overall number of accidents has reduced consistently from 1996/97 to 2001/02,
with a smooth transition with the introduction of the ICC system in 2001/02.
However, there was a distinct reduction in the number of electricity-related accidents
reported in 2002/03 (see Figure 2).
6.
It is possible that the reduction in the number of electricity-related accidents reported
in 2002/03 may be linked to the adoption of the SOC 2000 system for occupation
classification. The number of accidents reported to involve electrical fitters reduced
by around 1,500 in 2002/03(see Figure 3).
67
7.
The largest number of electricity-related accidents were reported in the electrical
wiring installation industries. Significant numbers of accidents were also reported in
the construction building and telecommunications industries (see Figure 4).
8.
Two distinct accident profiles are evident by industry. Firstly, the electric wiring
installation and construction building industries both contain significant proportions of
major injury accidents. In other industries, the accident profile consists primarily of
over 3-day injury accidents. This leads to the electric wiring installation and
construction building industries being the most significant in terms of overall risk and
cost of accidents (see Figure 4 and Figure 16).
9.
Between 1996/97 and 2000/01, the largest number of accidents resulted from handling
and sprains, and the majority of these accidents led to over 3-day injuries. Significant
numbers of accidents also involved workers tripping and being struck by falling
objects. Similar numbers of accidents involving contact with electricity and low fall
were also reported. A similar pattern emerged between 2001/02 and 2002/03 (see
Figure 5, Figure 17 and Figure 18).
10.
Contact with electricity is the most significant source of fatal injury accidents in this
data set (104 fatal injury accidents out of a total of 173); being involved in more fatal
injury accidents than the other accident kinds combined. This leads to contact with
electricity being the most significant in terms of overall risk and cost of accidents (see
Figure 6, Figure 17 and Figure 18).
11.
Electric fitters have been involved in significantly more electricity-related accidents
than any other occupation (see Figure 7, Figure 19 and Figure 20). However, handling
/ sprains and trips are involved in these accidents most frequently. Low falls, being
struck by falling objects and high falls also feature highly. Accidents involving
contact with electricity are the seventh most frequently reported accident kind
involving electrical fitters (see Figure 8).
12.
On-site transfer and general handling are the most common work processes
undertaken at the time of the electricity related accident, between 1996/97 and
2000/01. Between 2001/02 and 2002/03, the principal work processes involve
handling activities (see Figure 9, Figure 21 and Figure 22).
13.
In the first five years, the agents most frequently involved in electricity-related
accidents are those involving handling heavy, awkward or sharp objects. These
accidents result, primarily, in over 3-day injuries. The accidents resulting from
contact with electricity involved a number of agents including plant, domestic
appliances and underground cables (see Figure 11(a) and Figure 23). In the following
two years, electrical cables and other materials and machinery are the primary agents,
followed by ‘floors’ (involving trips) and moveable ladders (involving falls) (see
Figure 11(b) and Figure 24).
68
14.
Moveable ladders leading to falls are the key agents for the first five years in terms of
fatal and major injury accidents along with agents involving contact with electricity
(such as domestic appliances, underground cables, networks and hand tools) (see
Figure 23). A similar picture is found for the 2001/02 to 2002/03 period, where
electrical cables and moveable ladders are the most significant risks along with
‘floors’ for trips (see Figure 24). Energy systems and underground cables also present
significant risks in relation to contact with electricity.
15.
Around 6,000 to 7,000 accidents have been reported for each of the age groups
between 25 and 55 years old, with reducing numbers between 40 and 55. The fatal
injury accidents exhibit a distribution with around 20 to 25 fatal injury accidents being
reported for age ranges between 25 and 65, with increasing numbers between 40 and
55 (see Figure 13).
16.
Employees are involved in the majority of the electricity-related accidents reported
(see Figure 14).
17.
For fatal and major accidents, the construction building and installation of electric
wiring industries appear most frequently in combinations. These accidents involve
trips, low and high falls from ladders and, for construction building, contact with
electricity from underground cables (see Table 16 and Table 20). These accidents
typically occur whilst undertaking electrical work, on-site transfer and ground works
(see Table 24 and Table 28), and predominantly involve electrical fitters (see Table
32).
Objective 3:
Produce a report that contains analyses of the electricity related
accident data; identifies the key issues; and identify key priority areas
for intervention.
18.
The overall approach taken in this report is to use the RIDDOR accident data to
identify the key electricity-related risks and thus help HSE develop prioritised
interventions supported by a preliminary evidence base. The evidence base has been
built using new data analysis tools developed to provide an insight into the key risk
areas.
19.
This report provides HSE with a preliminary evidence base on which future
intervention strategies may be based.
69
70
5.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The purpose of this study was to provide a preliminary evidence base for developing policy, not
to develop that policy. Nevertheless, outline recommendations have emerged from the study,
and it is suggested that the following areas be addressed in order to reduce the risks associated
with electricity-related accidents.
5.1
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the work undertaken in this project, the following general recommendations are
presented as a means of improving health and safety in relation to electricity-related accidents:
1.
The key areas where significant numbers of electricity-related accidents are being
reported, electric fitters working in the electrical installation and construction
industries, need to be addressed with targeted interventions.
2.
Whilst accidents resulting from contact with electricity give rise to the most
significant risk impact in terms of cost to Great Britain, they are not the most
frequently occurring. Slips, trip, low and high falls, and handling / sprain injuries also
feature. The risks associated with these accidents should be addressed in conjunction
with those risks associated with contact with electricity.
5.2
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE WORK
1.
Consideration should be given to developing a comprehensive evidence base for the
key areas, including building risk registers. Supporting evidence could be obtained
from a variety of sources including workshop findings, research reports, notifier
comments, investigation reports and workshops. This evidence base will provide HSE
with the means to develop prioritised interventions supported by a full audit trail.
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6.
REFERENCES
1
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions: Revitalising Health and
Safety – strategy statement – June 2000, DETR, July 2000.
2
Health and Safety Executive: Electrical Safety and You, INDG231, 1998.
3
Health and Safety Executive: The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous
Occurrences Regulations 1995, RIDDOR, SI No 3163, HMSO, 1995.
4
BOMEL Limited. Improving Health and Safety in Construction Phase 2 – Volume 2:
RIDDOR Accident Data Analysis Tool, HSE Research Report 232, June 2004.
5
Health and Safety Executive: Guide to the Reporting of Injuries, Disease and
Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995, HSE Books, 1996.
6
Health and Safety Executive: FOCUS Data Handbook, Version 2.0, undated.
7
Health and Safety Executive: Contact Centre Coding Guidance, Version 1.1, April
2001.
8
BOMEL Limited: The development of an evidence base to reduce the risk of
Workplace Transport accidents, HSE Research Report, (awaiting publication 2004).
9
Health and Safety Executive: The costs to Britain of workplace accidents and workplace ill-health in 1995/96, Second edition, HSE Books, 1999, ISBN 0 7176 1709 2.
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APPENDIX A
OTHER ELECTRICITY-RELATED ISSUES FACTORS
A1
A2
A. OTHER ELECTRICITY-RELATED ISSUES
A.1
INTRODUCTION
This Appendix contains a summary of the results found from investigations into other
electricity-related issues raised by HSE outside the scope of the main project.
A.2
CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY OCCURRING IN HOSPITALS
The question was raised by HSE as to the prevalence of accidents involving contact with
electricity by external contractors working in hospitals. Searches of the notifier comments and
investigation summary reports within the electricity-related accident data set identified ten
accidents. These have been assigned a ‘switch’ in the Electricity RIDDOR Report Tool to
facilitate further investigation.
A.3
CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY OCCURRING IN RELATION TO CONTROL
SYSTEMS IN LOCAL AUTHORITY ENFORCED INDUSTRIES
The question was raised by HSE as to the prevalence of accidents involving contact with
electricity in relation to control systems in local authority-enforced sectors. Searches of the
notifier comments and investigation summary reports within the electricity-related accident data
set identified five accidents. These have been assigned a ‘switch’ in the Electricity RIDDOR
Report Tool to facilitate further investigation..
A.4
CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY OCCURRING IN PRIMARY FOOD
PROCESSING INDUSTRIES IN EAST ANGLIA
The question was raised by HSE as to the prevalence of accidents involving contact with
electricity in relation primary food processing industries in East Anglia. Searches of the notifier
comments and investigation summary reports within the electricity-related accident data set
identified no relevant accidents.
A.5
ELECTRICITY-RELATED ACCIDENTS INVOLVING EXPLOSIONS
The question was raised by HSE as to the prevalence of electricity-related accidents involving
explosions. Searches of the notifier comments and investigation summary reports within the
electricity-related accident data set identified 239 relevant accidents. These have been assigned
a ‘switch’ in the Electricity RIDDOR Report Tool to facilitate further investigation.
A3
Published by the Health and Safety Executive
01/10
Health and Safety
Executive
Identifying the incidence of
electricity-related accidents in
Great Britain
This report describes a pan-industry study into the
risks associated with electricity-related accidents.
This report forms a preliminary evidence base.
A data set has been built containing accidents
involving people working with or around electricity.
This set contains 57,000 accidents reported under
RIDDOR between 1996/97 and 2002/03. This data
has been incorporated into the Electricity RIDDOR
Report Tool, and is used to provide an insight into
the key risks where future risk controls may best
be targeted, and a baseline from which future
improvements may be measured.
The largest number of electricity-related accidents
is reported in the electrical installation and
construction industries. Electrical fitters have been
involved in significantly more electricity-related
accidents than other occupations.
Handling/sprains and trips are reported most
frequently. Low falls, being struck by falling objects
and high falls also feature highly. Accidents
involving contact with electricity are the fourth most
frequently reported accident kind. Contact with
electricity is the most significant source of fatal
injury accidents in this data set; being involved in
more fatal injury accidents than the other accident
kinds combined. These contact accidents involved
a number of agents including plant, domestic
appliances and underground cables.
This report and the work it describes were funded
by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its
contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions
expressed, are those of the authors alone and do
not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
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www.hse.gov.uk