Electrical Firm Pledges Safety Boost After Arc Flash

This follows a February 2025 arc flash incident in which a worker suffered significant burn injuries while working on an energised main switchboard in Māngere.

An arc flash is a sudden, explosive release of energy caused when electricity jumps through the air between conductors. It creates extremely high heat (up to 20,000 degrees Celsius), bright light, and pressure that's similar to a small electrical explosion.

The electrician received third degree burns to his hands, arms, and face requiring multiple surgeries and a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

WorkSafe's investigation found that Citywide Electrical had failed to identify and control arc flash risks, provide workers with adequate instruction and information, and ensure appropriate testing equipment was available and used.

Citywide Electrical's enforceable undertaking forms a binding commitment to invest in a series of health and safety and community initiatives aimed at preventing similar incidents across the electrical sector. It includes:

• funding a series of industry seminars delivered by an electrical safety expert, focused on arc flash risk assessment, testing procedures, and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• delivering an arc flash risk management safety article supported by expert review and writing specialists, to reach electricians nationwide
• support for the Burn Support Group
• funding worker engagement and health and safety improvements, with funds allocated for initiatives nominated by staff
• financial amends paid to the victim.

WorkSafe's Head of Regulatory Services, Tracey Conlon, says the commitment provides a clear pathway to better safety outcomes.

"Arc flash risks are well known in the electrical industry. This agreement ensures that the lessons from this incident will drive real meaningful improvements - not only within Citywide Electrical, but across the wider sector."

This agreement is the first pre-charge enforceable undertaking that WorkSafe has accepted since its approach was updated late-2025. The changes give WorkSafe the opportunity to consider enforceable undertakings earlier in investigations, resulting in more timely decisions, including for the victim, and enabling collaborative solutions to improve health and safety outcomes.

"Enforceable undertakings are not a way for businesses to avoid accountability. They must deliver measurable benefits to workers, workplaces, and the wider industry or sector that go beyond what could be achieved through prosecution alone," says Tracey Conlon.

Read the Citywide Electrical Limited enforceable undertaking