An inconspicuous power line, a tool that’s too close to a wire, an outlet with no protector... While we know there are risks surrounding electricity, accidents are unfortunately still all too common in Québec. Yet most electric shocks could be avoided. Is your environment as safe as you think it is?
Serious electrical accidents occur every year
Lack of awareness of risks
According to the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), in 2025, there were 1,542 electrical incidents in Québec, including 2 deaths. Most cases can be blamed on a lack of awareness of the risks—for example, not keeping a safe distance from power lines or using tools too close to the wires.
These accidents don’t just affect workers: everyone is at risk in their daily lives. There are simple ways to prevent them, like being more cautious and more aware of safe behaviours around power lines.
Kids sent to emergency
The RAMQ also reported that 64 children under the age of 5 ended up in the emergency room in 2025 after suffering an electric shock. In many of these cases, simple precautions that anyone can take could have saved their parents a lot of worry.
If you have young children:
- Teach them about the dangers of electricity from a young age.
- Make your home safe with outlet covers. Choose a neutral colour so they blend in.
- Don’t leave power or extension cords within reach. You don’t want a toddler chewing or pulling on them, with the added risk of something falling on them.
Let’s work together to turn the statistics around
At home and on worksites, we can all help reverse the trend by taking precautions and following safety guidelines. Safety starts with understanding the risks. Learn how to recognize them by reading our articles on electrical safety.
Always stay 3 metres away to avoid accidents
When working outdoors, always keep yourself and your tools at least 3 metres away from power lines. This distance is crucial not only to avoid direct contact, but also to prevent the risk of an electric arc forming, which can occur when an electric charge passes through the air and creates a bridge between the wires and your tools.
What’s an electric arc?
Just like when you rub your feet on a carpet to create static and give someone a shock, electricity can form an arc without direct contact. The same is true for medium‑voltage power lines, but the consequences can be deadly.
Precautions that could save your life
Do you need to prune or fell a tree, trim a hedge or put up decorations? If you’re working near power lines, you must take certain precautions:
- Locate power lines before starting any type of work.
- Choose the right equipment to work at heights, like a fibreglass ladder.
- Use tools with insulated handles in good condition.
Never touch or try to move downed power lines. Always keep at least 10 metres away, since the lines may be live and extremely dangerous. They can cause electricity to flow through the ground up to 10 metres in all directions.
