The use of safe electricity is a major issue in public safety. Between 1988 and 1999, 76 people were killed in Ireland as a result of accidents attributed to electricity. In 1998, nearly 5% of all fires were attributed to electrical causes – over 1,261 fires in Irish homes and businesses. Fires attributed to electrical causes were responsible for nearly 18% of deaths caused fires that year. Although not all those fires and fatalities can be solely attributed to the standard of work that contractors carry out, it is nonetheless alarming that the incidence of accidents is so high. There is no doubt that better regulation of the work of electrical contractors would have a positive impact and reduce the risk of death, damage or injury.