Electrical safety must include insurance

The Electricity Regulatory Commission has directed the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to explore establishing comprehensive insurance for both employees and members of the public who suffer injuries or loss of life due to electrical accidents. The Commission highlighted the necessity for insurance coverage in electrical incidents, similar to motor vehicle insurance. This concern is particularly relevant given the increase in electrical accidents in Kerala recently. According to data from the State Electrical Inspectorate, 241 people died from electric shocks in Kerala during the 2024-25 period alone.

Kerala has a significant number of electric poles along roadways, posing an accident hazard. During the monsoon season, lines that snap and fall often result in tragic fatalities. Additionally, illegally installed electrified fences meant to deter wild animals present a serious threat to human life. While preventive measures to avoid accidents are crucial, it is also essential to provide insurance coverage that can support families in the event of unforeseen tragedies. Although there is a requirement for contract workers in the electricity sector to have insurance, compliance is often inadequate, and the KSEB does not effectively monitor adherence to this requirement.

There have been instances where electricity was switched on while work was being conducted on live lines. In such cases, authorities frequently avoid their responsibility to provide compensation. Therefore, the KSEB should develop a scheme to offer insurance to workers and the public who are victims of electrical accidents and submit this plan to the Regulatory Commission. The Board should take on the financial responsibility necessary for this initiative.

Electrical accidents can result in permanent incapacitation of victims, even if they do not lead to death, severely impacting the income of families reliant on those individuals. Currently, when accidents occur due to lapses on the part of the KSEB, obtaining compensation requires costly legal action, which can take years. The introduction of insurance could eliminate the need for such lengthy and expensive processes.

Simultaneously, the KSEB needs to utilise modern technology more actively to reduce electrical accidents. Additionally, there are widespread complaints regarding the high fees charged by the KSEB for relocating lines in hazardous conditions, a matter that should also be reconsidered.