Victorian feedlot operator fined after electric shock death

Victorian Feedlot Operator Fined After Electric Shock Death

A Victorian feedlot operator was fined $140,000 after an employee died from an electric shock while operating a telehandler near overhead power lines three years ago. The Wimmera feedlot operator was convicted on two counts under the Victorian OHS Act, following a guilty plea heard in the Horsham Magistrates' Court.

This case highlights ongoing risks tied to electrical hazards on agricultural worksites, particularly where machinery operates close to overhead lines.

What Happened

In November 2020, a 29-year-old worker was stacking hay bales when the telehandler he operated made contact with overhead power lines. He suffered a fatal electric shock as a direct result of this incident.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer said the company understood the control measures available to protect workers from electrical shock but failed to implement them effectively.

"This case is a heartbreaking reminder of what can happen when the risks of operating machinery near power lines are not safely managed," Dr Beer said.

Why Electrical Safety Around Power Lines Matters

Machinery operators face serious electrical hazards whenever equipment works near overhead power infrastructure. Even brief contact can deliver enough power to cause fatal injury, making proactive risk management essential for any workplace using elevated equipment.

Employers carry a legal obligation to identify these hazards and implement suitable controls before work begins. Health and safety regulators across Australia continue to emphasise this responsibility, especially in sectors like agriculture, construction, and manufacturing where heavy machinery regularly operates near overhead infrastructure.

Key Safety Measures for Machinery Near Power Lines

• Conduct thorough site assessments before machinery work begins near overhead lines
• Maintain safe approach distances as specified by relevant electrical safety regulations
• Train telehandler operators and other machinery workers on electrical hazard recognition
• Establish clear communication protocols between ground staff and equipment operators
• Document all safety procedures within accessible, up-to-date workplace health documentation

Businesses seeking to strengthen their approach to electrical hazard management can review our Emergency Response Procedure for Electric Shock and Electrocution template, designed to support compliant, practical workplace safety documentation.

Broader Context: Electrical Incidents in Australian Workplaces

This tragedy is not an isolated event. Similar incidents involving electrical contact continue to affect workers across multiple industries. For example, our coverage of a Brisbane worker left critical after an electric shock and a separate case involving a worker hospitalised after an electric shock in central Dunedin both underscore how frequently these hazards arise across construction and industrial settings.

WorkSafe has also pursued enforcement action in other fatal incidents, including a case where an operator was fined over the death of a Northern Territory mine worker, demonstrating consistent regulatory focus on holding employers accountable for preventable workplace deaths.

Strengthening Workplace Health and Safety Compliance

Organisations operating machinery near electrical infrastructure should prioritise robust safety planning as part of routine operations. This includes reviewing safe work method statements, updating emergency response documentation, and ensuring every worker understands electrical risks specific to their role.

For businesses managing electrical equipment or machinery near power infrastructure, our Electric Shock Electrocution Emergency Response Procedure offers practical guidance suited to New Zealand workplace health requirements.

Ultimately, this court outcome reinforces a critical message for employers across every sector: electrical safety around power lines demands consistent vigilance, proper training, and documented procedures that protect workers from preventable harm.