Workplace Electrocution Project
Report of the Queensland Ombudsman
Implementation of recommendations by the then Department of Industrial Relations
Between 1995 and 1999 there were 12 electrical fatalities in nine separate incidents which led to investigations being undertaken by the Queensland Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman investigated how the fatalities were investigated by the Electrical Safety Office and the Division of Workplace Health and Safety.
Due to the number of complaints about the conduct of the investigations and their seriousness, the Ombudsman set up the Workplace Electrocution Project.
The Ombudsman started investigating the first incident in May 1999. The last investigation report was finalised in April 2004. A separate report was prepared by the Ombudsman on each case.
Every recommendation of the Ombudsman’s investigations has been completed or is under way, with the vast majority already in place (87 of 92 recommendations).
The recommendations have seen a more aggressive approach to enforcing tougher new laws and a new culture of accountability.
Statistics for electrical fatalities vary from year to year but the trend over the last few years shows Queensland has one of Australia’s lowest fatality rates.
The Ombudsman’s report is an important plank in continuing the Queensland Government’s efforts to improve electrical safety in the home and the workplace.
Summary of implementation of recommendations
Table of implementation of recommendations
Queensland Ombudsman Workplace Electrocution Report
Last updated October 18, 2006