Top 9 Electrical Safety Tips and Rules: A Complete Guide for Safer Workplaces

In just the past five years, many parts of India have seen a worrying spike in electrocution incidents. For example — in one state alone, over 6,700 people lost their lives due to electric shocks between 2019–20 and 2023–24. (Source: The Times of India)

Simultaneously, workplaces worldwide continue to suffer serious electrical accidents: between 2011 and 2023, some 1,940 workers died from electrical incidents — and alarmingly, about three-quarters of these fatalities occurred in occupations not even directly related to electrical work. (Source: EHS Today)

These sobering statistics make one thing clear: whether in factories, offices, construction sites, or even homes, anywhere electricity is used, there is invisible danger. And often, it’s not just the “electricians” or specialists who’re at risk: everyday workers and occupants can be severely harmed if safety is ignored.

That’s why regular checks, awareness, and adherence to safety rules aren’t optional — they are essential. Below is a complete guide to the

Too many things on one plug or circuit are a main cause of electrical fires. If too many devices are plugged in at one place, it can overheat and damage the wiring.

What to do:

• Use strong extension cords only when really necessary.

• Use different plugs for different devices.

• Regularly monitor power usage during safety inspections.

• Install circuit breakers capable of handling sufficient power.

Electrical equipment ages and deteriorates. Failing to repair wires that are fraying, plugs that are loose, or wires that are improperly insulated can result in electrical shock or a fire.

What to look for:

• Wires that are cracked or hard

• Around plugs, outlets, and wires

• Loose plugs or switches

• Water near the electrical box

Checking things often is a major part of keeping your workplace safe, so the equipment stays safe to use.

Safety equipment is the most important for keeping workers safe when near or working with electricity. Wear the proper equipment according to the amount of electricity or type of work being performed.

Examples of Electrical PPE:

• Electrical current inhibitor gloves

• Shoes that don’t carry electricity

• Clothes that do not readily catch fire

• Spark shields for the face

If you get a safety check, they usually start with your safety gear to check if it meets the rules.

Grounding is a simple safety matter, but a big deal. It allows electricity to flow to the ground in case something goes wrong, and therefore, you won’t get shocked or damage the equipment.

Key points:

• Always use plugs that have three prongs where possible.

• Do not remove the grounding pin to fit it in an older plug.

• Check the grounding when doing regular maintenance.

If the grounding is not proper, which a safety check can catch, it could really decrease the chances of electrical accidents.

Water conducts electricity really well, so if there is water and electricity together, it gets hazardous.

Safety steps:

• For plugs outside, use covers that keep water out.

• Keep electrical things away from sinks, washing areas, and wet places.

Employ the use of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in wet areas that stop shocks.

This rule is always included in safety checks, mostly in food places, factories, and labs.

One of the easiest safety rules, which is most often forgotten, is that power must be turned off before working on any electrical device.

Safe ways to work:

• Employ lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.

• Check that the power is off with a tester.

• Only permit access to persons allowed to do repairs.

Include Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures in your safety check. This ensures that no one accidentally turns the power back on while work is being performed.

It can kill you getting too close to exposed wires or those with lots of electricity. And this applies to all technicians and people who work around power lines.

Suggestions:

• Stay the right distance away.

• Utilize tools and equipment that do not carry electricity.

• Know where the underground cables are before you dig.

This is particularly important in construction and factories.

Using the wrong tools may pose risks for workers. Tools designed for electrical tasks reduce shocks, burns, or broken equipment.

Some examples:

• Screwdrivers that do not carry electricity

• Insulated or non-contact testers

• Wire strippers

• Multimeters

A large electrical safety check usually involves checking whether these tools are around and utilised properly.

Even the best safety plans won’t work if people don’t know about them. Training makes people aware, stops unsafe actions, and makes sure everyone knows an electrical danger when they see it.

Training should include:

• Knowing electrical hazards

• How to use equipment safely

• What to do in an emergency

• Lockout/Tagout procedures

• How to use a fire extinguisher

You should include review sessions, as well, in your workplace safety plan.

 A safety check, probably related to electrical concerns, can help organizations:

• Find possible problems before they cause accidents.

• Avoid expensive repairs

• Obey the law

• Make things safer

• Protect workers, machines, and property.

These checks ensure that all safety measures are up to date, from grounding to safety gear.

One idea, if you really care about electrical safety, is to work with somebody who knows the training in safety and the checks. NIST Global has electrical safety training and electrical safety auditing services that help organizations make safety a habit.

Here’s how NIST Global’s services fit with the tips above:

It is something you always have to work at: electrical safety. Places that regularly check their safety, provide ongoing training, and maintain their equipment have fewer accidents.

Follow these 9 electrical safety tips, train regularly, and use professional safety auditing from NIST Global to create a safer workplace.