A former electrical contractor in Western Australia has received a $50,000 fine for notification delays that prevented timely safety inspections of electrical work.

The company was convicted of 15 offences under WA’s electricity licensing regulations at Perth Magistrates Court following prosecution by WA safety regulator building and energy.

The court heard of 64 occasions of the company failing to lodge notices of completion with the network operator within three days of completing electrical work. 66% of the lodgements took 100 days or more with one provided after 302 days. The company is currently in voluntary liquidation.

Electrical businesses are legally required to provide a timely notice of completed work so sample inspections of the electrical work can happen to make sure the work is compliant, safe and completed.

Magistrate Michelle Harries described the company’s conduct as “a very poor example of compliance” and ordered the contractor to pay a global penalty of $50,000 and costs of $494.14. Harries noted the seriousness of electrical matters because of the involved risks.

“Electrical faults can put people at risk of serious injury or death. Notices of completion must be submitted within three days to trigger the inspection process and mitigate the hazards of dangerous defects remaining undetected for extended periods,” WA director of energy safety Saj Abdoolakhan says.

“This company lodged the notices far too late and only after Building and Energy intervened. This conduct is unacceptable and shows a blatant disregard for public safety and the statutory obligations of electrical contractors.”