Two Queensland electrical workers received serious burns in an electrical incident involving a live commercial switchboard this week. Limited details are available at this stage as authorities investigate the incident.

Sadly, across Australia incidents involving electric shocks and, or burns are far too common and the effects are devastating for the workers, families and business involved.

Please take the time to;

• Review your processes and SWMS for working on, near or around live electrical equipment. Do they comply with your states electrical requirements, AS/NZS 4836 or Codes of Practice for working around live electrical equipment?
• Reassess your electrical test procedures, including ‘Testing for dead’, and ‘Isolation lock-out and tagging’.
• Refresh your workers on your processes and expectations. Are you sure they understand the importance of following them?
• Have you trained and assessed your workers on testing and isolation? Do you have evidence of their competency?
• Are your clothing and PPE requirements appropriate for the hazards and risks your workers are exposed to? When did you last inspect their PPE and clothing for compliance with your requirements?

Remember even small domestic sub-boards pose dangers to electrical workers.

Everyone wants to go home safe at the end of a work day. How confident are you, that you and your workers will achieve this?

Your MEA team are available to assist you with advice and support, including how to access the safety resources available in ME Safety and how to implement within your business on 1300 889 198.