How Dangerous Is Being An Electrician? (And How To Stay Safe)

Last updated on October 22nd, 2026.

How Dangerous is Being an Electrician?

The dangers of electrical work depend on the type of work you’re performing. Electricians are on the front line of dangerous jobs along with firefighters, loggers, deep-sea fishermen, construction laborers and tractor-trailer truck drivers. Electricians are most often hurt by falls, toxic materials and electrical burns. Tight spaces and changing outdoor conditions create further risks.

Tight construction deadlines and high customer expectations often put electricians under pressure to finish work faster than usual.

Electrician Dangers and Risks

Installing and maintaining electrical systems, including repairs, exposes workers to dangers beyond electrical hazards.

• The danger of lethal electrical shock.
• The danger of electrical smolders.
• Exposure to lead, solvents and other toxic chemicals
• Fire and explosions.
• Working in small or tight spaces.
• Welding risks, including UV radiation.
• Extreme temperatures – both hot and cold.
• Cuts and abrasions from working with knives and equipment with sharp edges.
• Asbestos, mold and other microbes in older buildings.
• The danger of disease from birds or rat droppings.
• Working in the same position for a long period of time.
• The danger of eye damage from flying particles.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Working with different hand devices, power apparatuses and hardware.
• Movement work or broadened workdays.
• Working alone.

What’s the Difference Between Electric Shock and Being Electrocuted?

Electrocuted means death has occurred from electricity. Electric shock is when someone is exposed to an electric current but hasn’t died.

The distinction describes the outcome, but surviving an electric shock can still leave serious injuries.

Being shocked is one of the most serious dangers of being an electrician.

Electric shock can cause:

• Severe burns
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart rhythm problems 
• Cardiac arrest
• Muscle pain and contractions
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

It only takes a small amount of current to kill. That’s right current, not voltage. 

How Electricity Causes Burns

Electrical burns are a result of electricity passing through the body. The majority of the damage is on the surface of the skin, but sometimes the burns go deeper causing nerve damage.

There are a number of different types of burns that can be caused by electricity but I want to focus on two – low voltage and arc burns. 

Low-voltage burn – When contact with a voltage source of 500 volts or less is made. Depending on how long the exposure is, the burns could be mild, superficial.

Arc burn – An arc burn occurs when electrical energy goes from a high to a low resistance area. With an arc burn, the electricity ionizes air particles and the heat that is produced can be over 2000 degrees C. This amount of heat can vaporize metal which means regular clothing doesn’t stand a chance. 

How To Work Safely As An Electrician

Employers and electricians share responsibility for safety. You have personal duties alongside those of your employer.

Following the correct procedures for using equipment is a first step in reducing the risk of an accident.  

Training matters at least as much as following the correct procedures.

Employers are required by OHSA to provide certain levels of safety training to their employees to help ensure they understand the dangers within their trade. 

You also need to be safety conscious.

As a safety-conscious person, you need to know your limitations and when to speak up. 

Electrical Safety – What is Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO)?

In this example, proper Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures were not followed.

Lock out tag out (LOTO) is a combination of two safety procedures mixed into one.

Lockout is physically locking an energy-isolating device (electrical or mechanical) and putting it into a safe mode or de-energized state.  The energy-isolating device could be a switch (off) or a circuit breaker (open).

Most circuit breakers have some type of loop or tab that either sticks out or can be pulled out so a lock can be installed. 

Tag out is adding a label when locking out a device is needed. Tagging out involves attaching a standard label that includes the following:

• Why the LOTO out is required (repair or maintenance).
• Time of putting on the lock and tag.
• The name of whoever put the tag and lock to the system.

The tag explains why the equipment is locked to anyone who is not involved in the work.

You may find a lock left by someone who no longer works for the company. That does not mean you can cut it off.

It is NEVER OK to cut a lock off in a LOTO situation. Someone’s life could be at stake.

Every company should have a written policy or procedure on how to deal with a lock that doesn’t have an owner. 

Who Is Responsible for Lock Out / Tag Out?

Everyone in the workplace has a responsibility in the lockout program. In general:

Employers are usually responsible for:

• Providing a written program that is reviewed periodically.
• Including who and what equipment could be affected by the program
• Providing the necessary personal protective equipment and hardware.
• Tracking and confirming the program is being followed correctly.

Supervisors are responsible for:

• Handing out personal protective equipment (PPE), locks, tags and any other equipment employees need.
• Making sure only properly trained employees perform service or maintenance that requires lockout.
• Ensure employees follow the company’s LOTO procedures when required.

Employees are responsible for:

• Helping develop equipment-specific procedures that ensure safety.
• Following the procedures that have been developed.
• Reporting any problems with the procedures and equipment.

Good training and proper procedures help you manage the dangers of electrical work and support a safe, lengthy career. 

If I missed something, please leave a comment below.