Electrical Safety in the Workplace - Your Business’s Legal Responsibility
When it comes to operating a safe and legally compliant workplace, electrical safety is not just best practice - it’s a legal obligation. Faulty wiring, outdated systems, and neglected maintenance can lead to severe consequences, including workplace injuries, fires, prosecution, or even loss of business operations.
At Spike Electrical, we work with commercial property owners, facilities managers, and business leaders across the UK to ensure full compliance with electrical safety regulations. Whether you're managing a retail space, office, warehouse, or leisure facility, understanding and implementing electrical safety protocols is critical.
Your Legal Duties as a Business Owner or Employer
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, employers and business owners are legally required to ensure all electrical systems and equipment on their premises are safe to use. Failure to comply can result in heavy fines or prosecution.
Key legal requirements include:
Ensuring that all electrical installations are maintained in a safe condition.
Conducting routine inspections and testing (such as EICRs).
Using competent, qualified professionals to carry out electrical work.
Protecting employees and visitors from electric shock, fire hazards, and other risks.
What is an EICR and Why Is It Essential?
A key element of legal compliance is the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This formal inspection assesses the condition of your building’s electrical systems and identifies any safety risks, defects, or non-compliance with UK wiring regulations.
We recommend commercial premises undergo an EICR at least every 5 years, or sooner if advised.
Visit our dedicated blog:
Do I Need a Commercial EICR? Electrical Testing for Business Premises Explained
Common Electrical Safety Risks in the Workplace
Some of the most frequent issues we identify include:
Overloaded circuits and poor distribution
Damaged or outdated wiring
Inadequate or broken emergency lightingLack of surge protection for sensitive equipment
Unmaintained or non-compliant consumer units
Unsafe portable appliance usage without PAT testing
These risks not only endanger lives but also expose your business to serious legal and financial liability.
How Spike Electrical Ensures Workplace Electrical Safety
Our commercial electrical services are designed to protect your business from day one. Here's how we help:
- Electrical Safety Audits
We offer comprehensive site audits to identify existing faults and potential hazards. This gives you a clear overview of required improvements.
- EICR Inspections and Certification
Our qualified electricians carry out detailed inspections and provide actionable reports. We also complete any remedial works required to bring your system up to standard.
- Emergency and Exit Lighting Installation
We ensure your premises are fully compliant with BS 5266 by installing or upgrading emergency lighting systems to aid evacuation in the event of an outage.
- Ongoing Maintenance Contracts
With scheduled inspections, system monitoring, and emergency response, Spike Electrical provides proactive maintenance to prevent risks before they arise.
- Fire Alarm and Security Systems
Integrated fire safety solutions tailored to your building, helping you meet obligations under the Fire Safety Order 2005.
Learn more about our Commercial Electrical Services and how we support business compliance across various sectors.
Electrical safety in the workplace is a non-negotiable legal requirement and a vital component of running a responsible and successful business. With Spike Electrical as your trusted commercial electrician, you can rest assured your systems are fully compliant, safe, and efficient.
Contact us today to book an electrical safety assessment or arrange a compliance upgrade with our expert team.