Vic power station facing charges over worker death

A Victorian power station is facing charges following the death of a worker in 2018.

Worker died in hospital after being severely burned by an arc flash that occurred while working on a 6.6kV circuit breaker. It is alleged that the incident happened when a cable being connected made contact with live components of the circuit breaker, while the technician was working with power tools and equipment on site.

WorkSafe has charged the power station with three breaches of the OHS Act following the incident. Similar prosecutions have followed other fatal incidents across Australia, including cases where Vic companies face charges over death of worker and where two Victorian companies facing charges over worker's death were reported.

Decision follows a review by the Office of Public Prosecutions. WorkSafe Victoria said on Wednesday, "All WorkSafe decisions to prosecute are made in accordance with its General Prosecution Guidelines, which require it to consider whether there is sufficient evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction and whether bringing a prosecution is in the public interest."

Matter is listed for a filing hearing at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court on 13 January 2022. Cases like this highlight ongoing scrutiny of workplace incidents involving high-voltage equipment, echoing patterns seen when a Vic recycling facility faces charges following worker death.

Employers responsible for staff working alongside contractors on high-risk sites should ensure procedures for isolating live components are strictly followed before any technician begins working near energised equipment. Reviewing worker agreement policies and maintaining accurate first aid worker registers remain essential steps for organisations working to prevent similar tragedies, particularly where staff are working in close proximity to circuit breakers and switchgear.

View the original article on the WorkSafe VIC website.