Electrical safety reminder for businesses after farm worker’s tragic death

Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office has issued a reminder for employers following the death of a pineapple farm worker last week in a powerline incident.

An Ergon worker inspects lines after a powerline was brought down. Generic file photo.

Queensland’s electrical safety regulator has issued a reminder for employers and businesses in the wake of last week’s tragic pineapple farm death near Yeppoon.

Yeppoon man Cody Smith, 25, was killed last Wednesday after a harvester struck power lines at Lake Mary Pines on Ingrey Road, Bungundarra.

Workplace Health and Safety investigations into Cody’s death and how the incident unfolded are ongoing.

Speaking in general terms about safety, the Office of Electrical Safety’s executive director Donna Heelan issued a reminder that employers must make themselves, workers and other people on their properties aware of the location of overhead power lines, on and near the property, and understand the exclusion zones around them.

“They must ensure that all workers are trained to work safely near overhead power lines and that all risks are assessed before work begins,” Ms Heelan said.

“The most effective way of controlling the risk from power lines is to have them de-energised by the electricity distributor for the duration of work.

“You can also talk to the electrical entities about improving powerline visibility using markers and by painting poles.”

Cody Smith was killed in an industrial incident at a pineapple farm in Bungundarra on July 14. Picture: Facebook

Ms Heelan said there was a very serious risk of rural machinery and equipment coming into contact with overhead power lines - and it could be fatal.

“You don’t need to come in direct contact with overhead lines to receive an electric shock as electricity can jump,” she said.

Ms Heelan said the ”Look up and Live” mobile app, available at lookupandlive.com.au was an interactive map that displayed the Energex, Ergon Energy, Essential Energy and Powerlink electricity networks.

People can also visit worksafe.qld.gov.au for overhead powerline safety resources information.

Last week, farm safety expert Professor Richard Franklin, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the field, explained why overhead power lines were a greater risk to the rural and agriculture sectors in the modern era.