In a recent court case held in Narrogin, Western Australia, an electrical line worker, Darren Scott Hardy, faced legal consequences due to safety lapses that resulted in an apprentice’s electric shock incident. This incident highlights the crucial significance of adhering to safety protocols within the electrical industry.

Darren Scott Hardy, an employee of Western Power since August 2022, was involved in repairing a fire-damaged network power pole situated approximately 250km east of Perth, in Gorge Rock. Before initiating the task, Mr. Hardy diligently completed safety paperwork, which included certifying the presence of protective earths on the power poles. These protective measures are essential for safeguarding line workers against contact with live electricity in case of unexpected energization.

The apprentice, a second-year line worker, ascended a ladder to remove wires from the damaged pole and experienced an electric shock. Despite the initial shock, he continued working but unfortunately suffered another electric shock, causing him to lose consciousness and resulting in burns on his hands and knees. In a quick response, Mr. Hardy rushed the apprentice to Kondinin Hospital, from where the apprentice was subsequently airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital and required several skin grafts.

A subsequent investigation conducted by Western Power unveiled a series of safety violations. Contrary to Mr. Hardy’s certification, it was discovered that the power poles lacked protective earths. Furthermore, the apprentice was not equipped with adequate protective clothing, and the necessary tests to ensure the site’s de-energization had not been performed. As a consequence of these violations, Mr. Hardy was found to be in breach of the Electricity (Network Safety) Regulations 2015, failing to ensure the safe execution of the prescribed activity.

During the court proceedings held at Narrogin Magistrates Court on 23 January 2024, Darren Scott Hardy admitted his guilt to the charges brought forth by Building and Energy. Magistrate Erin O’Donnell acknowledged his admission of guilt, his expression of remorse, and the absence of prior workplace incidents. Significantly, Mr. Hardy was no longer employed at Western Power.

Magistrate O’Donnell emphasised the importance of deterring such shortcuts in electrical work, underlining that electric shocks must not be taken lightly due to their severe consequences. Consequently, she imposed a fine of $10,500 on Mr. Hardy and ordered him to cover costs amounting to $439.24.

WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, commented on the incident, underscoring the apprentice’s fortunate escape from more severe or potentially fatal injuries. He stressed the critical importance of adhering to mandatory safety requirements in every instance of electrical work.

“This case underscores the vital role of mandatory safety requirements and their consistent adherence,” Mr. Abdoolakhan stated. “There’s no room for complacency when dealing with high stakes like electrical work. It’s unacceptable to merely sign off on documentation without fulfilling the corresponding safety tasks, particularly when supervising an apprentice. In this case, a routine check could have revealed the danger before placing anyone at risk.”

This incident serves as a sobering reminder to all electrical contractors and workers about the unwavering importance of adhering to safety regulations. Electrical work carries inherent risks, and vigilance in following safety protocols is imperative to prevent such incidents and safeguard the lives and well-being of workers. Compliance with safety measures not only ensures the safety of workers but also upholds the integrity and reputation of the industry itself.