A worker was killed and six more received electric shocks in July this year, when a harvester came close enough to an overhead powerline to cause an electric fault current path.

WorkSafe Queensland initial investigations found the powerline had dropped approximately 3.6 metres from its original height because the stay wire on one of the poles had broken, potentially due to corrosion.

Investigations found the workers were in the field working around a tractor that was pulling the harvester and conveyor when the top of the harvester came too close to the powerline. The worker who died was standing on the ground next to the conveyor at the time.

WorkSafe is yet to confirm its investigations.

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Safety issues

Contact with, or coming too close to, overhead powerlines can be fatal. All powerline voltages are lethal, with the risk of flashover increasing as the powerline voltage rises.

Examples of work which can have risks from overhead powerlines include:

• operating a crane on a construction site
• operating mobile plant such as vehicle loading cranes and elevating work platforms anywhere near overhead powerlines.

Possible control measures to prevent similar incidents:

If you must work near powerlines, you should follow these steps:

1. Develop a safe system of work before you start
   • Ensure a safe distance from powerlines is maintained
   • Identify overhead and underground powerlines by consulting maps and/or talking to the property owner and electrical entity. For Ergon Energy and Energex visit lookupandlive.com.au for your free powerline safety plan.
   • Conduct a site specific risk assessment – think about:
     • the type of plant and equipment/tools used
     • site and weather conditions
     • type of work being done
     • set-up and pack-up procedures.
   • Put risk controls in place – the most effective way of controlling the risk is to de-energise the line for the duration of work.
2. Keep your workers and contractors informed about electrical safety
   • Induct and train your workers and contractors in safe work procedures, emergency procedures, and exclusion zones.
   • Plan the tasks to be completed near powerlines and work away from them whenever possible.
   • Mark the safe distance from a powerline on the ground.
   • Ensure people are aware that powerlines sag or sway in hot or windy weather.
3. Avoid going into exclusion zones
   • Make powerlines and poles visible.
   • Plan your work.
   • Where possible, use insulated or non-conductive tools and equipment.
   • use a safety observer when working powerlines.
   • Follow the safety advice you obtain from your electrical entity.

Master Electricians have unlimited, direct access to the MEA Safety hotline. If you need advice around safety on worksites phone the experts direct on 1300 889 198.