Queensland is in the midst of an alarming increase in electrical accidents, fatalities and shonky workmanship, prompting calls for consumers to ensure they use only properly qualified electricians.

Statistics from the most recent financial year showed a serious electrical incident takes place in Queensland every working day on average. The state has also experienced an increase in general electrical fatalities and electrical worker fatalities in recent years.

Dangerous electrical events have also risen dramatically – up by more than 10 per cent in just two years.

A serious electrical incident is when a person is killed by electricity or receives a shock or injury from electricity. A dangerous electrical event covers a variety of circumstances, from issues with high voltage electrical equipment to electrical work being performed by someone without an electrical work licence.

The alarming trends have prompted the Electrical and Communications Association to create Master Electricians Australia, a new program that ensures the highest standards of safety and quality in electrical contracting.

Master Electricians CEO Malcolm Richards urged Queensland households and businesses to ensure they used only licensed contractors for electrical work.

“In 2008 we simply should not be seeing increasing numbers of electrical accidents and fatalities,” Mr Richards said.

“Sadly we are, and in many cases it reflects a lack of experience or attention to detail on the part of some tradespeople.”

Mr Richards acknowledged it could be difficult for consumers to be certain they were dealing with a licensed electrician.

“A recent prosecution in Mackay exposed an individual who was working as an electrician, and even advertising in the newspaper and yellow pages, but who did not have a licence.

Another case in Blackall saw a contractor fined for performing unsafe work.

“We understand that consumers don’t always have the time or resources to check the bona fides of the businesses they use.

“By choosing a contractor who is a Master Electrician, consumers can be confident they are dealing with a qualified professional. We have checked their backgrounds and we ensure they meet the highest standards of safety, quality and reliability.”

Mr Richards said the Queensland-based Master Electricians Australia had established new standards for electrical contractors.

“To become a Master Electrician, a contractor must implement safety and quality assurance systems, and pass up-front and annual audits. They must also adhere to a code of ethics – which includes turning up on time – offer energy efficient solutions to their clients, and back it all up with a 12 month workmanship guarantee.

“It is about setting a new benchmark for the industry, and committing to customers that by choosing a Master Electrician, they will get better and safer electrical work.”

(Source: Queensland Electrical Safety Office)