If you’ve had an electric shock at work, your next steps might not be obvious. Even a brief shock can raise questions about safety, reporting, and whether anything has been missed.
This article looks at what typically happens after an electric shock at work, common causes, and how an electric shock work injury claim usually works in the UK.
If you’ve had an electric shock at work, what should you do now?
After an electric shock, the priority is to make the situation safe and make sure there’s a clear record of what happened. If it’s safe to do so, the following steps are sensible:
- Stop work and move to a safe area. If possible, isolate or switch off the power source.
- Get first aid. Call 999 if you have chest pain, breathing problems, burns, severe pain, you collapse, or you’re concerned about your symptoms.
- Seek medical advice, even if the shock seemed mild at the time. Some symptoms develop later.
- Report the incident to your employer as soon as you can and ask for it to be recorded.
- Make your own notes and keep evidence, including what you were doing, the equipment involved and any witnesses.
If you were injured as a result of the shock, for example through a fall or sudden muscle spasm, that injury should be treated and recorded separately as well.
Common causes of electric shock injuries at work
Electric shocks can happen in many workplaces, from construction sites and warehouses to shops and offices, often due to preventable safety failures.
Faulty equipment, damaged cables and poor maintenance
A very common cause is equipment that isn’t safe to use. This might include frayed leads, broken plugs, exposed wiring, or tools that have been repaired badly. Risks increase where equipment isn’t inspected often enough, or where faults are ignored. Wet or damp conditions can also make electric shocks more likely, especially if power tools, extension leads, or sockets are used around water.
Overhead power lines and working at height
Overhead power lines are extremely dangerous. Even if you don’t touch a cable, electricity can sometimes arc across a gap. This is called flashover. It can happen when long or tall equipment gets too close. Examples include using ladders, scaffolding, cranes, or MEWPs (mobile elevating work platforms).
Underground cables during digging and groundworks
Underground cable strikes can happen during excavation, drilling, or groundworks. If a buried power cable is hit, it can cause a serious shock, burns, or an arc (a sudden electrical discharge that can create intense heat). These incidents often link back to poor planning, missing checks, unclear site information, or unsafe digging methods.
Portable electrical equipment and temporary power
Portable equipment like power tools and extension leads can become unsafe through wear and tear. Many workplaces use PAT checks (Portable Appliance Testing), a routine way to check portable electrical items are safe to use. It’s not the only safety step, but it can help spot obvious faults before someone gets hurt.
What injuries can an electric shock cause?
Electric shocks can cause more than a brief jolt. You might have burns, including small entry and exit marks where electricity passed through the body. Shocks can also trigger muscle spasms, which can make you lose control or be unable to let go, leading to falls, sprains, fractures, or head injuries. Some people experience pain, weakness, numbness, or anxiety afterwards. Symptoms can develop later, which is why it’s sensible to seek medical advice even if you feel okay in the moment.
Reporting an electric shock at work and why it matters
Reporting an electric shock is important for two practical reasons: making sure any risks are dealt with, and having a clear record of what happened. Tell your manager or supervisor as soon as you can and ask for the incident to be recorded in the accident book. It’s also sensible to keep your own notes.
Some serious workplace incidents might also need to be reported under RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). This is a legal reporting system that requires certain incidents to be reported to the regulator.
You don’t need to know every rule. What matters is reporting the incident promptly so it’s properly recorded and reviewed. This isn’t about blame. It’s about safety and having an accurate record.
Steps to making an electric shock work injury claim
If your electric shock happened because safety wasn’t properly managed, you might be able to make an electric shock work injury claim. The goal is to seek compensation for the impact the injury has had on you, such as pain, recovery time, and financial losses. Follow these steps to make a claim:
1. Check whether employer negligence might be involved
In simple terms, negligence means someone failed to take reasonable steps to keep you safe. That could include poor maintenance, lack of training, missing safety procedures, unsafe systems of work, or inadequate supervision.
2. Gather evidence
Useful evidence can include:
- Photos of the area/equipment
- CCTV footage
- Witness names and contact details
- Accident book entry or incident report
- Medical notes/appointments
- Training records and maintenance/inspection logs
3. Get legal advice early
There are time limits for personal injury claims. It’s generally three years, but circumstances can vary, so it’s wise to seek advice as soon as you can. Early advice can also help you understand what evidence is most important and what to do next.
What happens after you start a claim
Usually, your solicitor will gather evidence, arrange an independent medical assessment if needed, and contact the other party. Many claims are resolved through negotiation without going to court, but timelines and outcomes vary and can’t be guaranteed.
Get in touch
An electric shock at work can be frightening, but you can take control of what happens next. Put your health first, report the incident, and keep a clear record of what happened and how you’ve been affected. If you’re worried your employer’s safety steps weren’t enough, it’s okay to ask questions and to explore whether you have a claim. You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help.
Ready to talk? Our friendly team is here to help. Get in touch with us to begin.
Electric shock injury FAQs
Can I claim if the electric shock was partly my fault?
Possibly. In some cases, responsibility can be shared. It depends on what safety measures were in place and what happened on the day.
What if I didn’t go to hospital straight away?
You might still be able to claim. What matters is getting appropriate medical advice and having a record of your symptoms and treatment.
Do I have to report the accident to make a claim?
It’s strongly recommended. A report creates an important record of what happened.
How long do I have to make an electric shock work injury claim?
It’s generally three years, but there can be exceptions. Getting advice early is safest.
Will I have to go to court?
Not always. Many claims settle without a court hearing, but it depends on the circumstances.