A binding commitment to invest in a series of health and safety and community initiatives aimed at preventing similar incidents across the electrical sector. That is the fate WorkSafe issued to Citywide Electrical after an investigation showed the company failed to identify and control arc flash risks, provide workers with adequate instruction and information and ensure appropriate testing equipment was available and used.
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.
Citywide’s binding enforcement is the result of a February 2025 arc flash incident in which a worker suffered significant burn injuries while working on an energised main switchboard in Māngere, Auckland.
The electrician received third degree burns to his hands, arms, and face requiring multiple surgeries and a lengthy period of rehabilitation.
This agreement is the first pre-charge enforceable undertaking that WorkSafe has accepted since its approach was updated late-2025.
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.”
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 Conlon.
Citywide, in a formal release “acknowledge the seriousness of the incident involving one of our employees and the impact this has had on them, their family and our wider team. Our thoughts remain with them, and we are committed to supporting their ongoing recovery.
“The safety of our workers is our highest priority. Following the incident, we undertook an immediate review of our health and safety practices and implemented a number of improvements to ensure the wellbeing of our team.
“We recognise the responsibility we have to our workers and to the industry. Our goal is not only to improve safety within our own organisation, but to contribute to safer practices across the electrical industry so that others can learn from this experience,” the briefing says.
The binding undertaking 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.
Read the Citywide Electrical Limited enforceable undertaking
