Energy type:
Electricity
Event summary:
A forestry contractor contacted electric overhead lines causing damage.
Accident ID:
160106-04
Accident date:
29 December 2015
Site:
Rural
Environment:
Outside (above ground)
Voltage:
11000
Equipment:
Overhead lines
Accident type:
Electrical mechanical
Casualty:
Non-fatality
Injury:
No injury
Property damage level:
Restricted to the direct vicinity of the equipment
Outcome of investigation:
The power line was damaged as a result of contractors felling trees too near to the lines. The investigation by WorkSafe identified that the significant hazard had not been identified i.e. an 11,000 volt line. Procedures had not been followed in that the contractor had failed to notify the power company of the proposed work. The contractor was also found to have employed unsafe tree felling techniques.
Enforcement action was taken by WorkSafe in the form of improvement notices.
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