Contractor fined after apprentice unresponsive from shock
An electrical contractor has been fined more than $21,000 after a shock left an apprentice unresponsive and without a pulse.
The second-year apprentice and a supervising electrical worker attended a commercial premise to disconnect and remove an electric hot water unit in January 2020.
While the supervisor was on a phone call, he directed the second-year apprentice to a kitchen cabinet where the apprentice began to cut and disconnect the wiring on the hot water unit inside.
Shortly after, the apprentice received an electric shock of up to 240 volts and he was unable to let go of the electrified cable in his hand for at least 30 seconds.
The supervisor and the property tenant pulled the apprentice away from the cabinet area and began CPR. Paramedics arrived within seven minutes and found the apprentice had stopped breathing and had no pulse, but fortunately, they were able to resuscitate him with a defibrillator.
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The incident is a reminder of how dangerous electrical work is and that supervision of apprentices is not only required by law, but can also save lives.
A Building and Energy investigation found a circuit breaker that supplied power to cabling in the cabinet was left on during the work, resulting in some cables remaining energised or “live”.
In February 2022, the Halls Head company pleaded guilty at the Mandurah Magistrates Court to two offences under WA’s Electricity Licensing Regulations.
The company was also fined $1,500 because the apprentice did not hold an electrician’s training licence, which was required for the work he carried out at the property.
Make sure you understand what an electrical business must do if there is a shock incident. If your business needs safety advice phone Master Electricians have unlimited access to the MEA Safety hotline. Phone 1300 889 198.