Apprentice death is a tragic reminder: NECA

The death of a young apprentice in Victoria has prompted the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) to remind all electrical apprentices, electricians and contractors about the dangers of working with live electricity.

The 21-year-old third-year apprentice was reportedly electrocuted last month after carrying out unsupervised work in the roof of a friend’s house.

Early reports indicate that a fault in the back of a three-pin plug base occurred where a neutral conductor had broken away from the terminal, breaking the circuit.

The victim was in the process of stripping the live neutral conductor with pliers while simultaneously being in contact with earthed parts of the house when he received an electric shock.

“This tragic event is a reminder to all of us about the dangers of working with live electricity,” said Suresh Manickam, CEO of NECA.

“In this instance, the apprentice was carrying out work outside of his regular employment unsupervised, and NECA reminds electrical contractors and training organisations to ensure that apprentices understand that they are not licensed to conduct such activities given the potential dangers.

“We must all be vigilant when it comes to electricity,” he added.

Manickam said he extended his sympathies to the apprentice’s family and loved ones on behalf of all NECA's members and the wider industry.