Dangerous powerline contact incidents rise across Victoria in 2022
Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is urging the industry and broader community to take better care when working around powerlines following an increase in dangerous incidents in 2022.
During 2022, ESV investigated 232 incidents where people or machinery have come into contact with powerlines, an unfortunate increase on the 214 recorded in 2021.
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Of the 232 incidents, 173 involved heavy machinery (cranes, tipper trucks), 31 related to an individual making direct contact and four involved farming equipment. Another 24 cases involved either scaffolding or construction works located too close to powerlines or people interfering with powerlines.
The worst case of contact with a live powerline led to the death of a man trimming back a dead tree in the front of a Malvern East property in February 2022.
Unfortunately, the trend has continued into 2023 with ESV called to an incident in Combienbar in the state’s east on 20 January 2023 when a man climbed onto a power pole from a tractor, suffering an electric shock.
ESV chief executive Leanne Hughson says most incidents where people or machinery came into contact with powerlines were avoidable, simply by taking the time to understand potential risks before commencing work.
“The impact these incidents can have can be devastating, not just for the victim but also their families, co-workers and friends,” she says.
“The need to get work done quickly is no excuse for not taking the proper precautions to protect Victorian lives. It’s so easy to forget that the simple act of looking up before you start work, could save your life or the life of a co-worker.”
ESV’s Look Up and Live campaign aims to educate the community on the dangers of working around powerlines.
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