In June 2023, a flashover incident occurred during service and maintenance activities of a panel at a sub-station resulted in a worker suffering from second and third degree burns.
In January of the same year, a worker was electrocuted while holding his appliance and in December 2022, a worker was also electrocuted while using his appliance, and subsequently fell as he was working at a height resulting in the loss of life.
The numerous incidents of electrocution was shared by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Pengiran Haji Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra during a socialisation event on electrical safety by the Electrical Safety Committee (ESCOM) at the PMO yesterday.
He stressed, “All the incidents and numerous injuries resulted from electrical works call for awareness on the importance of electrical safety and the need to address the challenges in reducing incidents surrounding workplace injuries and fatalities related to electrocution.
“These incidents point to the crucial role of the ESCOM. Today’s event and the availabilities of key documents are hoped to ensure a higher level of safety standards, electrical safety and workplace compliance in the Sultanate,” he added.
The deputy permanent secretary hoped the committee will continue to take a strategic approach to address the current and future issues, including prioritising safety in electrical installation works and compliance with the Workplace Safety and Health Order 2009.
The ESCOM was established under the provision of the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority Act to increase electrical safety nationwide.
The event also saw a briefing on the ESCOM guidelines, such as public lighting, portable equipment testing, low voltage wiring (LV) and electrical equipment safety, by ESCOM Chairman and Acting Director of the Compliance and International Affairs Division at SHENA Haji Noryasmin bin Haji Mohd Noor. – James Kon
