Industry Leaders Unite to Tackle Electrical Safety & Skills in Northern Ireland

An industry-led working group met for the first time on Friday, 28^th February 2025 to review the findings of the Electrical Training Trust’s (ETT) recently published Ending ‘Shock Silence’ report.

Held at Mossley Mill in Newtownabbey and facilitated by ETT, the session provided a vital platform for 45 industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders to share their knowledge, experience, and insights to ultimately shape a meaningful action plan aimed at improving electrical safety across Northern Ireland.

The Ending ‘Shock Silence’ report revealed alarming statistics, including that 80% of electrical workers have suffered an electric shock while working, with 74% of incidents going unreported. The report’s findings highlight an industry-wide culture of underreporting, inadequate access to essential safety equipment, and an appetite for more frequent and relevant training.

Recognising the urgency of the issues, stakeholders representing electrical contractors, training providers, regulatory bodies, utilities providers, industry associations, public sector procurement, and equipment manufacturers came together to discuss the practical challenges and opportunities in implementing the report’s recommendations.

Key themes explored included:

• Addressing underreporting and tackling the ‘shock silence’ culture that discourages reporting incidents due to fear of repercussions.
• Improving access to safe isolation equipment and effective procedures.
• Strengthening training provision for all workers in industry, from apprentices through to qualified electricians, and for others in a Health & Safety and management role.
• Industry collaboration and opportunities for policy development to drive change and establish mandatory safety protocols across the sector.

Chief Executive of ETT, Charlotte Bamber, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility as the way forward: ‘The findings in the Ending ‘Shock Silence’ report are deeply concerning, but they also present an opportunity for change. By coming together, the industry can move beyond awareness and towards meaningful action. With 45 stakeholders attending today’s event, the industry’s commitment to action in clear.’

Speaking at the meeting, the working group’s facilitator, Rachel Doherty, said:

‘Engagement has been fantastic today and there is a clear desire from stakeholders to work together to overcome complex challenges. The outcomes from today’s working group discussions will directly shape a practical and industry-led action plan that will be designed to create real and lasting change.’

Thank you to the following companies and industry stakeholders for taking the time to attend the working group meeting:  Weev.ie Ltd, Nugent, NAPIT, ECA, NISG, BSG Civil Engineering, BI Electrical Services, CITB NI, Darson Services NI, NIE Networks, CFM, HSENI, Nicola Penman Consultancy, NIHE , Irwin M&E Ltd, CertSure, Stothers M&E Ltd, NICEIC, NISG, Hager, Moore MacDonald, CEF and Finance NI

Get Involved

Organisations and individuals who wish to get involved in this vital initiative, as well as contribute to discussions regarding wider industry issues including competency and skills-related challenges are encouraged to get involved by contacting info@ett-ni.org