Hoist provider fined $360,000 after worker suffers electric shock
18 June 2026•BlueSafe Team•Source: SafeWork NSW
Solution Hoist Hire Pty Ltd has been convicted and fined $360,000 after a maintenance fitter suffered an electric shock and serious burns while converting an electric hoist’s power supply.
The Industrial Court of NSW imposed the fine following a prosecution brought by SafeWork NSW.
The incident occurred on 21 April 2023. The maintenance fitter, who was employed by Solution Hoist Hire Pty Ltd, was converting the hoist’s power supply when his arm made contact with an energised busbar, resulting in an electric shock and serious burns.
The company pleaded guilty to an offence under section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, having failed to comply with its duty to workers under section 19(1).
SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer described the risks of working with or around electrical equipment as well known and said exposing workers to electrical risks through inadequate systems was unacceptable. She said: “SafeWork NSW reminds all businesses of their duty to ensure their workers are protected when working with live electricity.”
Solution Hoist Hire Pty Ltd can appeal its sentence. The full judgment, SafeWork NSW v Solution Hoist Hire Pty Ltd, is available on the NSW Caselaw website.
Workers concerned about workplace health and safety can contact SafeWork anonymously on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up Save Lives website.
How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS self-check can help you review your business’s approach to workplace health and safety and identify areas that may need closer attention. Take the free WHS self-check