Segcon Constructions fined $300,000 after worker suffers electric shock

The incident occurred on 5 December 2022 while a rig was lifting a 16-metre steel reinforcement cage. The cage buckled and fell onto two 11,000-volt overhead powerlines, resulting in the worker receiving an electric shock.

Segcon Constructions pleaded guilty to an offence under section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) for failing to comply with its duty under section 19(1). The company has the right to appeal against the sentence. The full judgment is available on the NSW Caselaw website.

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said the controls for managing risks when working with mobile plant near powerlines were well known. She warned that contact with overhead lines could cause electrocution, electric shock or burns, as well as fires and explosions that could immobilise the plant involved.

“Employers and duty holders must ensure no person or plant comes within an unsafe distance of any overhead power line so far as it is reasonably practicable.”

Business owners and workers can find resources on the SafeWork NSW website to help manage the risks associated with operating mobile plant near powerlines.

Workers concerned about workplace health and safety can contact SafeWork NSW anonymously on 13 10 50 or via the Speak Up Save Lives website.

How Blue Safe can help: Our free SWMS tool can help you prepare a safe work method statement for high-risk construction work involving mobile plant near powerlines. Create a free SWMS