SafeWork NSW targets safety near overhead and underground services

The program covers workplaces near live electrical, gas, water and telecommunications assets. Inspectors are visiting sites to check how businesses manage the risks of working around these services.

Overhead powerlines and underground services pose significant risks in construction and utilities work, particularly when equipment such as excavators, elevated work platforms and front-end loaders is used nearby. Contact can result in death or serious injuries, including electrocution and severe burns.

Damage to services can also trigger explosions, flooding and major outages that disrupt the community. Repairs can be costly, while affected projects may face extensive delays.

Inspectors will check whether duty holders understand their responsibilities to identify hazards and put risk controls in place for the work. They will also check that workers are provided with exclusion zones and safe distances they understand. Businesses that fail to meet their work health and safety duties may receive improvement, prohibition or penalty notices.

During the visits, inspectors will speak with workers, businesses, health and safety representatives and union delegates. They will also provide advice and resources on managing risks around overhead and underground services.

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said: “These site visits aim to drive compliance, strengthen supervision and ensure every person on site understands the critical steps needed to work safely around essential infrastructure.” She also said: “Businesses and duty holders must take a ‘know what’s above and below before you start work’ approach when working with or around overhead and underground services.”

Workers can raise workplace health and safety concerns anonymously by calling SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or using the Speak Up Save Lives website. Business owners and workers can also find resources about managing these risks on the SafeWork NSW 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 plant or work near services. Create a free SWMS