Electrical incident (6 April 2022)

An incident information release detailing an incident where a worker sustained fatal injuries after handling live wires.

A 35-year-old electrician was fatally injured when he handled energised wires whilst completing works on an electrical circuit beneath a house.

The site underneath a house where the incident occurred.Faulty wiring underneath the house that caused the incident.

Incident site underneath the house where exposed electrical cables were located.

Safety information

Electric shock is the second leading cause of death in the construction industry. It is important to ensure electrical work is either conducted or appropriately supervised by a licensed electrician. Further information on licensing can be found by visiting the NSW Fair Trading website.

Most of the time, work on energised (live) equipment is prohibited. Before making contact with or commencing work on equipment, ensure that it is switched off and test every circuit and conductor to ensure it has been properly isolated. Lock the circuit to prevent inadvertent re-energisation.

Work in under floor and roof space areas involves additional electrical risks, including:

  • electrical wiring powering various circuits within the property itself such as lighting, power points, hot water systems, ovens, air conditioners etc.
  • electrical wiring that may be installed within those spaces that is powering another part of the property such as an extension, garage, granny flat or duplex
  • metallised foil ceiling insulation
  • electrical wiring from solar/battery storage systems
  • exposed electrical wiring
  • electrical wiring (consumer mains) that connect from street supply to the electricity meter box
  • damaged or aged wiring. Ensure any damaged or aged wiring and appliances found within ceiling and underfloor spaces/surrounds are isolated where possible and reported to the property owner.

Related information

Download the Incident Information Release as a PDF (PDF, 335.33 KB)

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