SafeWork SA suspends three high risk work licences after incidents with powerlines
The state’s workplace safety watchdog has suspended three workers after potentially deadly close calls with high voltage powerlines.
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Three workers have had their licences suspended for up to 12 months after a series of serious safety breaches involving powerlines.
SafeWork SA imposed the penalties on two workers after a mobile crane struck a high voltage 11kv powerline, while another had their licence suspended after erecting a scaffold too close to a powerline.
The safety watchdog said the third worker put up the scaffold 1m from the 11kv powerline, and less than 30cm from a low voltage, 415v powerline.
SafeWork SA executive director Glenn Farrell said working near powerlines could be fatal if correct procedures were not followed.
“The inherent dangers of high risk work means it is of critical importance that people comply with work health and safety laws,” he said.
The department has had 11 incidents reported to it so far this year including a driver who struck 11kv powerlines at a Largs North business earlier this month.
The incident stripped power supplies in the area.
The three workers’ suspensions came after SafeWork SA investigations.
A crane operator and a rigger each had their High Risk Work Licences suspended for six months following an incident at Carey Gully on January 22 while installing rainwater tanks at a residential property.
The safe distance is 3m if a spotter is at the site.
The scaffolder was working at a residential construction site at Windsor Gardens on May 8, and had their high risk licence suspended for 12 months.
SafeWork SA recorded other serious incidents including a crane striking high voltage lines on June 21, excavators bringing down lines on March 21 and June 3, and an excavator striking an underground high voltage line on April 12.
“In suspending High Risk Work Licences, SafeWork SA is sending a clear signal we will not tolerate dangerous work practices,” Mr Farrell said.
“People granted a High Risk Work Licence have undergone specialist training and have no excuse for putting themselves or other people in danger.”
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