Builder fined for electric shock hazards at Melbourne construction site

A Victorian builder has received a conviction and a $65,000 fine after it was discovered that metal scaffolding was positioned within 10 centimeters of a live electrical cable at a construction site in Elwood.

The court also ordered the builder to cover costs amounting to $4,210.

The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court recently issued a sentence to the company, which had previously admitted guilt to a charge of not maintaining a safe and health-risk-free workplace.

A WorkSafe inspector, during a visit to the site in April 2023, found metal scaffolding located within 10 centimeters of a power service cable, which was covered by an orange bollard marked with the warning "danger live power."

The inspector instructed two workers at the site to vacate the area without delay because of the potential danger of electrocution.

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