Sydney, Australia — Employers and employees in the construction industry are being urged to prioritize safety around electrical work following a spate of serious incidents, including two recent fatalities from electrocution. SafeWork NSW has identified electrocution as the second leading cause of traumatic deaths in construction across the state, raising alarms about the need for tighter safety protocols.
In 2023, New South Wales recorded 60 workplace fatalities, with five attributed to electrical contact. In a troubling trend, two workers lost their lives on worksites due to electrocutions within a two-week period. One incident occurred on May 22 when a male worker was electrocuted while working on power lines in Randwick. A second tragedy unfolded on June 3 at a holiday park on the South Coast, where another male worker was killed while handling electrical equipment.
To mitigate these risks, business owners are encouraged to ensure that their employees are adequately trained, licensed, and supervised when dealing with electrical tasks. Effective safety measures include risk assessments related to the design and installation of electrical systems, ensuring that work is carefully planned. Additionally, it is vital for businesses to develop safe work method statements (SWMS) specifically for high-risk electrical activities.
SafeWork NSW emphasizes that only licensed professionals should execute electrical work, with strict adherence to the prohibition of live work except in rare circumstances. Regular inspections of extension and power tool leads for damage, along with up-to-date testing and tagging of electrical equipment, are also crucial, particularly in high-risk environments.
Furthermore, the use of safety switches (Residual Current Devices) is recommended, and all extension leads should be secured on insulated stands to prevent damage and avoid trip hazards. Safe distances from power lines are paramount, with regulations requiring at least a three-meter separation and four meters between scaffolding and overhead lines.
Workers who notice unsafe conditions have an avenue to voice their concerns without fear of reprisal. They can reach out anonymously to SafeWork at 13 10 50 or visit the ‘Speak Up Save Lives’ website for guidance.
The head of SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin, expressed condolences for the families affected by these tragic events. He underscored the importance of recognizing electrical hazards and vowed that inspectors would adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward serious violations, such as working live. Penalties will be enforced not only on businesses failing to comply with safety standards but also on workers who disregard safety protocols.
Curtin called on all employers to ensure their operational practices are up to standard and to foster an environment where safety is paramount. As electrical hazards continue to pose significant threats in the workplace, proactive measures and heightened awareness are essential to protect the lives of those working in this high-risk field.