Powerlines are once again in the spotlight with reviews of safety being urged following more injuries and related sentencing.
WorkSafe is urging businesses to prioritise safety near overhead electric lines after an electric shock caused a worker to fall four metres and led to a carpentry firm and scaffolding firm being sentenced.
Auckland District Court heard about the incident on Waiheke Island where a worker was working on scaffolding that had been installed too close to power lines. Aluminium cladding he was carrying touched the high voltage 11kV line, inflicting an electric shock that caused him to fall backwards nearly four metres off the scaffold. The 31-year-old received major burns to his hand and foot, along with fractures to his spine and ribs.
No risk assessment had been carried out, nor had a close approach consent been obtained for the work, which is required when work is being done near overhead powerlines. After an investigation, WorkSafe charged both the employer Joan Carpenters Limited, and the scaffolding company Church Bay Services Limited, for their health and safety failures.
WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Danielle Henry says, “Anyone working in or around electricity, especially high voltage lines, needs to be aware of the specific mandated requirements for working near powerlines. The local lines company may require a close approach consent application, to ensure the work is conducted safely. Do not start work before you check for consent.”
Construction and agriculture are two of New Zealand’s most dangerous sectors, which is why they are a focus of WorkSafe’s new strategy. WorkSafe’s targeted frontline activities will be increasing in both sectors as there are opportunities to significantly improve health and safety performance, reduce acute and chronic harm, and address inequities.
