Tragedies highlight powerline dangers

Recent fatal tragedies across Queensland have highlighted the dangers of working near powerlines.

Energy Minister Mark Bailey who visited Energex’s EsiTrain complex today ahead of Electricity Safety Week (5-9 September) and raised the issue in Parliament, urged the community to ‘look up and live’.

“Last week we had a tragic accident when a tree lopper died after coming into contact with powerlines at The Gap in Brisbane,” Mr Bailey said.

“There was also a near miss last week when a sign-writer came into contact with powerlines at West End in Brisbane.

“Tragically, two farm workers have also been electrocuted this year, as well as a pilot dying from injuries sustained when his chopper crashed after contacting powerlines on a farm.

“These incidents are being investigated by the Electrical Safety Office and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

“We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives.”

Mr Bailey said in the past five years, there had been a 15 per cent increase in accidental contact with the high voltage network state-wide.

“There have also been more than 500 workplace-related incidents over the past year, including everything from cranes, farming machinery and high loads contacting powerlines to excavators and other earthmoving equipment digging up cables,” he said.

“The difference between being safe or a life-threatening incident can be as simple as getting out of a vehicle and having a good look above before commencing work.

“Similarly, workers should be aware of overhead powerlines when moving large objects such as irrigation pipes, ladders and reinforcing steel because even the slightest touch can kill immediately.”

Mr Bailey said electrical dangers weren’t just overhead and pointed to more than 40 incidents of people digging up high voltage underground cables in South East Queensland in the past 12 months.

“If you’re digging around a yard or footpath there could very well be cables carrying more than 110,000 volts of power just below the surface,” he said.

“Dial Before You Dig on 1100 is a free service giving detailed locations of underground services in the area you’re about to work in.”

Mr Bailey said Energy Queensland was currently working on producing a new safety education advertising, urging community caution around Queensland’s power network.

“In regional Queensland, Ergon Energy will have their popular Grim Llama highlighting these dangers, while in South East Queensland, Energex will be warning the community of similar risks,” he said.

The new campaign is currently in production and will be launched later this year.

“Later this week I will also be launching the state’s largest ever electrical safety educational program aimed at primary school aged children in which 94 percent of Queensland’s schools are participating,” Mr Bailey said.

ENDS

*Note - in photo attached, Minister Bailey talking with Ergon apprentice Brad Heumiller and Energex apprentice Zane Douglas

Media contacts:

Minister Bailey’s office: Zoe Russell – 0428 079 640