NSW construction company fined following worker's electric shock incident

The Industrial Court of NSW has imposed a fine of $300,000 on a construction firm due to a prosecution brought forth by the state’s workplace health and safety regulator.

According to SafeWork, the case emerged from an incident that took place on 5 December 2022, when an employee suffered an electric shock after a 16-meter steel reinforcement cage collapsed and struck two 11,000-volt overhead powerlines during a lifting operation by a rig.

The company admitted guilt to an offence under section 32 of the WHS Act 2011 (NSW) for not fulfilling its obligation under section 19(1) of the Act.

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said the measures for controlling risks associated with mobile plant near power lines are clearly defined.

“Employers and duty holders must ensure no person or plant comes within an unsafe distance of any overhead power line so far as it is reasonably practicable,” said Schorer.

See full details here.