Meter readers urged to put safety first when entering properties

Meter Readers Urged to Put Safety First When Entering Properties

Meter readers face genuine risks while carrying out essential work, and property owners play a critical role in keeping them safe. In December last year, a meter reader was mauled to death by dogs in south-east Queensland, prompting fresh warnings across the industry.

According to Ergon Energy, meter readers and field workers will only enter properties where dogs are securely restrained. This policy protects both workers and community members who rely on accurate, timely readings.

Why Safe Access Matters for Field Workers

Meter readers need clear access to electrical meters, and property owners are encouraged to make their property safe before scheduled visits. Ergon Energy has reinforced this message following several near-miss incidents.

“Despite heightened awareness around safe entry, unfortunately we are still seeing incidents where dogs have been able to escape and pose a threat to our people and others in the community,” Ergon Energy said in a recent statement.

“In January, a Townsville meter reader was left shaken, but thankfully unscathed, after two dogs were able to burst through the front gate.”

What Property Owners Should Include Before a Visit

To support safe electrical meter readings, homeowners should include the following steps ahead of a scheduled visit:

• Secure dogs well away from gates, meters and pathways leading to your home
• Clear obstructions blocking access to electrical infrastructure on your property
• Confirm with your energy provider that access points remain safe for entry
• Report any concerns about property hazards before workers enter your property

These simple measures protect field staff from harm and help avoid delays that could otherwise affect your account or billing accuracy.

Industry-Wide Commitment to Field Worker Safety

Energy providers across Australia continue refining protocols for safe entry, recognising that field workers often perform physically demanding work under unpredictable conditions. Electrical infrastructure inspections require close attention, and workers cannot safely complete this work if dogs are not restrained or if pathways remain obstructed.

Organisations managing field teams should consider comprehensive Electrical Safety Policy documentation to formalise expectations around property access, hazard identification and incident reporting. Pairing this with a practical Electrical Safety Checklist gives field staff a consistent, repeatable process for assessing risks before approaching electrical meters or related infrastructure.

Employers should also ensure First Aid Policy arrangements are current, given the potential severity of dog-related injuries sustained during property visits.

Broader Lessons for Other Field-Based Roles

This incident echoes safety concerns raised across other sectors where workers regularly enter unfamiliar properties or work sites. Similar warnings have been issued for farm workers urged to put safety first, as well as for operators highlighted in our article on ride-on lawnmower operators urged to put safety first to prevent injuries. Storm-affected regions present additional hazards too, as detailed in Qld mines urged to put safety first during storm season.

Businesses seeking structured tools to manage these risks can explore our Safety Software solutions, designed to streamline hazard reporting and support safer work practices across field-based teams.

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