Driving Change for a Safer Future – Latest Safe Isolation Survey Results Out! 

In July-August 2024, Super Rod conducted its largest Safe Isolation Survey to date, with an impressive 2,844 respondents, a 39% increase from the 2022 survey. This growth reflects the increasing importance of safety in the electrical industry, and we want to extend our gratitude to everyone who took the time to answer the survey honestly. Your input is invaluable in helping us understand the challenges and opportunities for improving safety practices on-site.

Fatal and Non-Fatal Injuries

According to RIDDOR, there were 9 work-related fatalities (6 employees and 3 self-employed) and 155 non-fatal injuries caused by electricity or electrical discharge between 2021 and 2022. Although these numbers are an improvement from the 2020-2021 data, where 13 fatalities and 228 non-fatal injuries were recorded, they still underscore the dangers of electrical work when proper precautions aren’t taken.

A Persistent Problem: Lack of Lock-Out Kits

One of the most concerning statistics from this year’s survey is that 1 in 10 installers still don’t carry a lockout kit in their van or tool bag. This figure has remained unchanged since the 2022 survey, highlighting a continued need for awareness and access to these critical safety tools.

Safe Isolation Procedures: A Mixed Picture

Interestingly, 25% of electricians report they rarely or never use a lockout kit to isolate the electrical supply they are working on. This is again an improvement from 2022’s 28%. However, it still shows that a quarter of professionals are taking unnecessary risks.

Not surprisingly, more industrial electricians seem committed to using lockout kits, with 70% stating they would definitely use one compared to 30% of domestic installers. This 4% increase from 2022 suggests that workplace environments might influence attitudes toward safety protocols.

Why Don’t Installers Use Lock Out Kits?

The 2024 survey results provide insight into why some electricians avoid using lockout kits. The top reasons include:

• 32% work alone, making it challenging to implement full lockout procedures.
• 17% prefer verbal communication with other trades on-site instead of using a lockout kit.
• 10% believe they’ll only be working for a minute or two, down slightly from 11% in 2022.
• 5% think they are too much hassle to use.

This highlights that while awareness of lockout kits exists, practical barriers still hinder their widespread adoption.

Training and Awareness: An Opportunity for Improvement

Training continues to be a critical component of safe isolation practices. 60% of electricians reported having received a toolbox talk on safe isolation within the last two years, up from 56% in 2022. Of those who participated, 70% found it to be a valuable opportunity to refresh their knowledge, emphasising the importance of ongoing education in reinforcing safe habits.

A Collective Effort for Change

On a positive note, 2024 marks a pivotal year for safe isolation practices, with a collective of companies uniting to improve safety across the industry. This initiative, initially led by Mark Allison, founder of Apprentice 121, has brought together organisations such as IET, NAPIT, NICEIC, ECA, SparkSafe, and Electrical Safety First, along with brands like Super Rod, TIS, and Martindale. These key players are pooling resources and expertise to promote consistent, clear messages across the industry.

Together, they are driving efforts through trade shows, social media campaigns, educational videos, and in-store awareness programs at wholesalers. The unified campaign is a direct response to the alarming findings from the surveys. By working collaboratively, these companies aim to reduce fatalities and ensure safe isolation becomes a standard practice across the industry.

Looking Forward

While progress has been made, the 2024 survey highlights that more work is needed to ensure every electrician adopts safe isolation practices. With the support of the wider electrical community, including the efforts of the Safe Isolate campaign, we are confident that the future holds a safer work environment for all.

At Super Rod, we remain committed to raising awareness of these issues and promoting the use of lockout kits to reduce the risk of injury or fatality. As the industry evolves, so must our approach to safety.

For more information about Super Rod visit www.super-rod.co.uk or contact the office on  +44(0)1495 792000. 

Download the Infographic PDF HERE