$65K fine follows scaffolding centimetres from live power

In Victoria, a builder who erected metal scaffolding within 10 cm of a live power cable has been convicted and fined $65,000. Willoworks Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to a single charge of failing to ensure that a workplace under its management and control was safe and without risks to health, and was sentenced in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 6 March. Willoworks was also ordered to pay $4210 in costs.

The company had been constructing four triple-storey townhouses in Elwood and had engaged a subcontractor to erect scaffolding at the workplace in January 2023. In April of that year, a WorkSafe Victoria inspector visiting the site observed metal scaffolding within 10 cm of a power service cable — which had an orange bollard marked “danger live power” placed over the cable.

Due to the risk of electrocution, two workers on the site were directed by the inspector to leave immediately. A WorkSafe Victoria investigation confirmed that the service cable had been energised since August 2022. It also found that the local power company had not received an application from Willoworks for a permit required to work in a No-Go-Zone — within 4.6 m of a live powerline.

Investigators also found that the company had not followed its Safe Work Method Statement, which had identified the risk of scaffolding near powerlines and that required either implementing No-Go Zone rules or ensuring the electricity was isolated. It was reasonably practicable for Willoworks to reduce the risk of electrocution by applying for a permit to work within a No-Go Zone and implement any required conditions, or by de-energising the service cable, before work began on the site.

“It’s galling that this very serious hazard of working near live powerlines was identified on the site, yet no effort was made to take the appropriate safety measures already outlined in the company’s Safe Work Method Statement,” WorkSafe Victoria Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said. “Workplace safety is not about ticking boxes — in this case the failure to manage the risk could have easily resulted in serious injury or death.”

Scaff Right Scaffolding Pty Ltd — the scaffolding company engaged by Willoworks — has also been charged in relation to the incident and will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 26 March.

To avoid contact with powerlines, WorkSafe Victoria advises that employers and contractors should make sure:

• All service cables or powerlines onsite and at site entrance or exit points are identified.
• The No-Go Zone rules when working around powerlines, including applying for a permit and following conditions, or isolating or disconnecting electricity when required, are complied with.
• Weather conditions are closely monitored; powerlines can sag in extreme heat and sway in strong winds. Employers and contractors should also be aware that powerlines are more difficult to see at dawn and dusk.
• Travel paths, loading and unloading areas are designated well away from powerlines.
• Warning signs or other visual indicators on each side of the powerline are installed — to warn operators and drivers.
• The type and height of heavy vehicles, plant and machinery — and if it can safely operate near the powerlines — are considered.
• Workers are inducted in the risks of powerlines onsite, and the controls in place to prevent hitting the powerlines.
• Workers are consulted with on safe systems of work for operating near powerlines.
   

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