Accidents caused by electricity are responsible for countless deaths and injuries of people/animals and damage to buildings and facilities worldwide. Although sufficient knowledge is available on making electrical installations safe, many countries do not have organized data on accidents of electrical origin, making it challenging to implement effective public policies to reduce the risk of accidents caused by electricity. Therefore, this research aims to present a methodology for collecting data from electrical accidents through the Google LLC alert monitor. The research methodology includes obtaining and analyzing electrical-related accident data involving electric shock, fires of electrical origin, and lightning. The application of this approach in Brazil between 2016 and 2021 validates this methodology. The analysis of this data points to a significant increase in accidents of electrical origin in the analyzed period. All categories of fatal accidents between 2016 and 2021 showed a marked increase; 10.3% due to electric shocks; 33.3%; due to lightning; 42.2% in fires caused by overload or short circuits. In the case of deaths from electric shock and lightning, more than 75% were men, and in the case of deaths from electrical fires, most were elderly and children. The analysis also includes detailed information about age and sex, the location of the accident, date, and cause. Consequently, guidelines to prevent the principal types of accidents of electrical origin from occurring could be developed.

Accidents caused by electricity are responsible for countless deaths and injury to people/animals and damage to buildings and facilities worldwide. Although sufficient knowledge is available on making electrical installations safe, many countries do not have organized data on accidents of electrical origin, making it challenging to implement effective public policies to reduce the risk. Therefore, this research aims to present a methodology for collecting data on electrical accidents, involving electric shock, through the Google LLC Alert monitor and analyzing it. The application of this approach in Brazil between 2013 and 2021 validates this methodology. The analysis shows that accidents leading to fatal shock between 2013 and 2021 increased by 44%, and more than 95% of the victims were men. In total 2,680 cases were analyzed, including detailed information about age, sex, the location of the accident, date, and main cause. Consequently, preventive guidelines for the principal types of accidents can be developed.

Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related mortality worldwide. Brazil has the highest number of deaths caused by lightning, and no recent studies present these data. The Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System in Brazil- DATASUS has the Official data on all origins of deaths. Thus, this work analyzed the 781 cases of deaths that occurred between 2010 and 2020, considering death primary caused by lightning. Currently, the states in the northern region of Brazil, due to the greater volume of rainfall and the more exposed work in open areas, have the highest number of deaths. The work also presents an analysis of the trend of reduction in the numbers of deaths that occurred in recent years that may continue. Data from DATASUS showed that most deaths from lightning (24%) occurred in rural areas, affecting agricultural workers (outdoors), but (22%) of the deaths occurred inside homes, and men represent more than 80% of the death victims.

In emerging economies, it is expected to find products that do not comply with established norms, for example, low-quality production, material, counterfeits, etc., in the market where users are motivated by the low price, especially in times of economic crisis. With regards to products for electrical installations, there is no difference. Notably, several products in the wire and cable market do not comply with established standards. Many manufacturers seek to reduce costs and improve margins using cheaper or less raw materials. This is mainly observed in the reduction of copper used in the conductors, causing overheating, increasing electrical losses, reducing the service life, and ultimately increasing the risk of fires of electrical origin. Brazil has had an independent entity for 30 years, which monitors the market – Qualifio – Brazilian Association for the Quality of Electrical Wires and Cables and SINDICEL - Union of the Electrical Conductor, Wire Drawing and Lamination Industry of the State of São Paulo. Therefore, 136 cable samples with cross-sections of 1.5 mm², 2.5 mm², 4 mm² and 6 mm² were analyzed. These cross-sections were chosen as they represent the most common cables found in electrical installations in Brazil. The data was collected by Qualifio and submitted to tests following Brazilian National Standards Organization - ABNT NBR 6814: Electrical wires and cables - Electrical resistance test. The results showed 68% of the collected wires and cables did not comply with the ABNT. In some cases, the resistance was 300% higher than the upper limit established in the ABNT.

This article examines Abracopel’s initiatives to improve electrical safety in Brazil. Founded in 2005 to address the high number of electrical accidents, Abracopel has established itself as an essential entity in promoting electrical safety. The organization is involved in several projects, including the publication of a Statistical Yearbook of Electrical Origin Accidents, the Electricity Safety Perception Survey, and a “Snapshot of Brazilian Residential and Commercial Electrical Installations.” These efforts highlight the prevailing risks and the necessity for better public policies and safety practices. One of Abracopel’s strategic pillars includes the Essay, Drawing, and Video Competition, targeting students across Brazil to increase awareness about electrical safety. This project, celebrating 12 years in 2023, engages students in creating materials on electrical risks and prevention methods. The competition has shown remarkable reach and impact, with the number of participants growing. Each participant is believed to influence several other people in their communities. This article underscores the vital role of educational initiatives in shaping safer attitudes and practices using electricity. Furthermore, this project aligns with the two United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The article concludes that such initiatives are highly efficient in fostering a culture of safety and awareness, thereby reducing electrical accidents in society.