Electrical accidents vary in severity – from cases requiring emergency treatment to situations where no treatment is required. Regardless, anyone who has been exposed to an electrical accident should be assessed by a healthcare professional to ensure proper follow-up. Updated advice and guidelines are now easily accessible for everyone involved.
Updated guidance from STAMI.
Approximately 3,000 working people are affected by electrical accidents every year. Previously, the standard procedure was that anyone who experienced such an accident was sent to an emergency room or hospital. However, new research shows that examinations by a GP or emergency room are often sufficient for most people who have been exposed to low voltage.
In 2024, STAMI (the National Institute of Occupational Health) contributed to an updated occupational medicine guide, which is now available in the Norwegian Electronic Medical Handbook. This guide helps healthcare professionals in primary care to:
Assess who can be treated locally.
Identify which patients should be referred to the emergency department for further monitoring and treatment.
STAMI researcher and psychologist Lars Ole Goffeng explains:
– Those who experience less serious electrical accidents can usually go home after an initial examination. More serious cases, on the other hand, should be followed up in an emergency room.
New app: Electrical accident
To ensure quick access to correct information in the event of an electrical accident, the electrical industry, STAMI and the authorities have developed the Electrical Accident app. This app provides clear guidelines on how to deal with different types of electrical accidents and is recommended for anyone working with electricity. Prevention is the most important thing. However, should an accident occur, the app provides quick access to the necessary information and guidance.
Annual training and good preparedness
Electricians undergo annual safety training with a focus on preventing and handling electrical accidents. The Electrical Accident app serves as an additional resource to ensure good preparedness and correct handling in the event of an accident. Many people are unsure of what to do after an electrical accident and whether it is necessary to contact a doctor. The app provides clear answers and contributes to proper follow-up.
Goffeng adds:
– The right healthcare at the right level from the start is crucial. That’s why we recommend that both healthcare professionals and electricians familiarize themselves with the assessment criteria and recommended examinations.
Download Electrical Accident here:
