Court Summary - at a glance
Date of offence:
20 February 2015
Plea:
Guilty
Decision:
Convicted
Final decision date:
Fine imposed:
$42,000
Safety lessons learned:
- Ensure that the correct test lead terminal fitting is available and used;
- Develop, implement and ensure a safe system of work for undertaking the testing work;
- Ensure that workers follow safe operating procedures; and
- Notify WorkSafe of an accident involving electricity that results in serious harm to any person without delay on becoming aware of the accident.
Defendant name:
Broadspectrum (New Zealand) Limited
Industry:
Energy
Date of offence:
20 February 2015
Facts in brief:
The Defendant is electrical services provider that was contracted to undertake maintenance of high voltage power transformers at the Islington substation.
On the day of the incident, the victim, an employee of the Defendant, was directed to climb on top of a transformer at a height of approximately 4 metres off the ground. They were holding testing leads in place on top of the transformer when they sustained an electric shock.
The victim sustained a burn on their right arm which had burnt through their protective clothing and later found exit wounds on their right buttock. The victim also suffered significant psychological effects and post-traumatic stress from the incident.
On the day of the incident, the victim, an employee of the Defendant, was directed to climb on top of a transformer at a height of approximately 4 metres off the ground. They were holding testing leads in place on top of the transformer when they sustained an electric shock.
The victim sustained a burn on their right arm which had burnt through their protective clothing and later found exit wounds on their right buttock. The victim also suffered significant psychological effects and post-traumatic stress from the incident.
Offence section:
Sections 163D(a) of the Electricity Act 1992
Date(s) charged:
Court:
Christchurch - District Court
Plea:
Guilty
Final decision date:
Decision:
Convicted
Fine imposed:
$42,000
Maximum fine available:
$250,000
Reparation:
$17,000
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