14. Roles and Responsibilities
186. The legislation covering electrical and gas work needs to be much more explicit about where the accountability lies for the different kinds of safety (e.g. safety of the worker, safety of the completed work, and the ongoing safety of electrical and gas services and equipment).
Government
187. The role of central government in the safety regime for electrical and gas work should be to: set the framework in legislation; monitor overall levels of safety; administer and enforce legislation; promote public awareness of safety; and ensure the interests of consumers and the public are taken into account.
Industry
188. The role of individual employers, employees, and workers is to take responsibility for their own and others' safety within the framework set by legislation. There should be an explicit requirement in the legislation for all individuals to do work safely, and to leave it in a safe condition.
Individuals
189. Individuals, both licensed electrical and gas workers and members of the general public, should be under a legal obligation to confine themselves to work that they are competent to do. In the case of licensed electrical and gas workers, there is the additional responsibility of maintaining their competence to carry out their trade safely and competently.
Back to Top