Electrical Risk Assessment Checklist

Contractors frequently encounter electrical hazards on construction sites. This checklist promotes safety when working on electrical systems.

Question Response Type
1. Has the electrical subcontractor's team leader or project superintendent been notified of this electrical work? Yes No N/A
2. Has the electrical circuit been powered off and locked out so that no one else can re-power the circuit? Yes No N/A
3. Has a non-contact voltage tester been utilized to ensure that the area of proposed work is NOT energized? Yes No N/A
4. Is the person performing this work trained in electrical safety measures? Yes No N/A
5. Is any specific PPE required to perform this task? Yes No N/A
6. Before re-energizing this electrical circuit, are any cables or wires exposed or do they show any signs of damage? Yes No N/A

What is electrical risk assessment?

Electrical risk assessment is the process of identifying safety hazards related to electrical systems on the jobsite.

An electrical system is an umbrella term for all the parts and pieces needed to distribute electrical power. This can include power lines, poles, transformers, wiring, plugs, insulation, electrical hand tools, and other equipment.

Completing an electrical risk assessment checklist helps field crews make sure they’re following crucial safety requirements. Adhering to electrical safety guidelines can prevent electrocution and other life-threatening injuries.

What are the most common electrical hazards in construction?

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the most frequent causes of electrical hazards in construction are:

  • Improper or inadequate grounding
  • Exposed electrical parts
  • Faulty wiring
  • Insulation damage
  • Overloaded circuits
  • Faulty tools or equipment
  • Moisture or wet conditions
  • Damaged power lines

    • Before working on, with, or near electrical systems, contractors need to conduct a thorough inspection of the work area and all equipment. If the work area is wet, cluttered, or otherwise unsafe, or if the electrical equipment is insufficiently installed or shows signs of damage, all work must cease until the issues are corrected.

    Additionally, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must always be used when working with electrical systems. There are insulated gloves, safety glasses, face shields, hard hats, shoes, and other protective gear designed specifically for electrical work and the risks associated with it.

    When work is completed for the day, contractors must also make sure electrical equipment is properly de-energized.

    What are common electrical injuries in construction?

    The two most common electrical injuries that contractors face in construction are electrocutions and burns.

    Electrocution—also known as electric shock—occurs when electrical current flows through the body. This can cause death or serious damage to the brain and other organs, provoke seizures and amnesia, or stun victims, leading to falls.

    Burns may be caused by electricity itself accompanying electrical shock. However, arc flashes and other electrical accidents also commonly start fires on clothing and equipment.

    Electrical issues also lead to explosions, risking major injury to anyone in the area when they occur.

    How to prevent electrical hazards on the jobsite

    Raken’s digital daily reporting tools keep field crews safer and more productive. In addition to checklists, the field can access report templates to collect safety data on their mobile devices and share it instantly for real-time visibility.

    Use our daily construction reporting software to review photos of the jobsite to monitor the use and installation of electrical equipment. Document inspections and alert managers using the app’s streamlined messaging system if review is needed.

    We also provide a full library of toolbox talks to keep your field crews on top of safety requirements. Access our list of electrical hazard-related topics right in the app, deliver your talk, and digitally collect and save attendance records.

    Try this checklist in our app

    Access this electrical risk checklist—and other construction safety checklists—in our easy-to-use construction safety management app. We’ll show you how to complete, submit, and store safety documentation with the click of a button.

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