Tarong Energy Corporation Limited

Incident description:

An electrician employed by a contractor sustained burns to his face, arm and torso at Tarong Power Station after contacting a live (energised) section of a switchboard he was performing maintenance on.

WHSQ investigation findings:

The defendant had systems in place involving signs, tags, delineation tape and supervision. Certain sections of the switchboard were isolated for the maintenance. At the time of the incident there was no supervision and isolated sections were not properly marked.

Court result:

The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined $30,000. No conviction was recorded. The court took into account the defendant's pervious good record, its co-operation with the investigation and the steps it took to fix the issue when making an order that no conviction be recorded.

Considerations for prevention:

Systems were improved, and the entire switchboard is now isolated (de-energised) before work commences. Risk assessments are an integral part of preventing incidents within the workplace. By conducting regular assessments employers can identify and rectify potential incidents from occurring. Training employees to identify the risks and encourage reporting and participation in identifying hazards is another area that should be considered particularly in high risk areas.

Visit the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website for more information on:

• managing electrical risks
• conducting risk assessments or developing safe operating procedures, and
• the use of training staff as a control measure to manage risks associated with workplace hazards.