Electrical
Annual State of Safety 2024
State of Safety: Electrical
We oversee electrical equipment and systems across BC in accordance with the Safety Standards Act and the Electrical Safety Regulation. The exception are those municipalities that have separate administrative agreements with the provincial government.
In 2024, electric shock and electrical fire continued to remain in our Top 5 Safety Risks. Electric shock or arc flashes have caused serious injuries and often occur when experienced and certified individuals do not follow safety procedures, or when individuals with no electrical qualifications are working with regulated equipment. Electrical fire hazards can occur when electrical equipment is used improperly or when uncertified equipment is used. We continue to collect data surrounding these risks and work to mitigate the prevalence of these hazards.
66
incidents reported to us in 2024
15
injuries reported to us in 2024
27,603
assessments completed in 2024
Hotel Maintenance Worker Injured While Replacing Circuit Breaker
In the electrical room of a hotel, a maintenance worker was knocked to the ground and sustained burns to their face and hands when replacing a circuit breaker. The worker, who did not hold the required qualifications for this type of electrical work, unscrewed an incorrect screw on a circuit panel. An arc flash occurred in an energized panel board as the worker did not de-energize and lock out the equipment before starting work. In addition to the worker’s injuries, bus bars were damaged and wiring also caught on fire.
Incidents
Sixty-six incidents were reported in 2024, a decrease of 23% from the previous year. Five were ranked as “insignificant,” 17 were ranked as “minor,” and 21 were ranked as “moderate,” while 16 were ranked as “major.” We also saw three “severe” incidents and four incidents continue to be “under assessment.”
Electrical Incidents by Year (2020-2024)
Click to Enlarge
Injuries
Fifteen injuries related to the electrical technology were reported in 2024, which represents an increase of 15% compared to 2023.
We receive injury reports and descriptions from operators or first responders at the time of, or immediately following, the incident. Injuries may develop after the initial reports were made to us and the long-term effects of a resultant injury may not be recorded as part of our investigation.
Electrical Injuries by Year (2020-2024)
Click to Enlarge
Permits
In 2024, we issued 83,061 installation permits in the electrical technology, a 2% decrease from the previous year. We saw 16,212 active operating permits in 2024, a decrease of 2% compared to 2023.
Electrical Installation Permits by Year (2020-2024)
Click to Enlarge
Electrical Operating Permits by Year (2020-2024)
Click to Enlarge
Assessments
Our safety officers completed 27,603 assessments of electrical equipment and systems in 2024. This included 15,577 in-person assessments and 12,026 remote assessments. The results of in-person assessments included: 11,818 “passed” and 3,759 “failed." The results of remote assessments included: 11,274 “passed” and 752 “failed.”
Learn more about how we define these assessment outcomes.
Electrical Compliance of Duty Holder's Work in 2024 (Physical Assessment)
Click to Enlarge
Electrical Compliance of Duty Holder's Work in 2024 (Remote Assessment)
Click to Enlarge