Home electrical safety awareness campaign to recommence in June

The Palaszczuk Government will re-launch a vital home electrical safety awareness campaign in June, Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said.

Ms Grace said the campaign highlights the necessity of turning off all the main power switches in a home’s switchboard before entering a ceiling space.

“Queenslanders love DIY and we love renovating our houses into the perfect home,” Ms Grace said.

“But we shouldn’t let our love affair with DIY and renovation lead to unsafe practices in the family home.

“Home renos and DIYs shouldn’t cost a single life, but the reality is that fatalities can – and do - occur when we’re working on our own homes.

“That’s why we’ll be recommencing the ‘Stay safer up there, switch off down here’ electrical safety campaign from June.”

Ms Grace said the campaign was so successful in 2014 that it led to more than 90 per cent of tradespeople saying they were now prepared to turn off, or consider turning off, the power before entering a ceiling space.

“Just as importantly, nearly 90 per cent of homeowners said they would also turn the power off - or not go up there at all,” she said.

“Electrical safety in the home is too important to neglect and no one can afford to be complacent about it.

“The campaign will remind Queenslanders that all electrical work is best left to the professionals.

“Close to a million brochures with a reminder sticker that can be placed on switchboards will also be distributed via hardware stores across the State.

“We want to send out a very clear message to all Queenslanders that home electrical safety just can’t be ignored.”

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548