Company fined following electrical fatality

A company has been fined $150,000 in the Cleveland Magistrates Court, Queensland, for failing to adhere to electrical safety regulations.

In September 2020, the company, which specialises in air-conditioning solutions, was contracted to replace an air-conditioning unit at a veterinary clinic in Capalaba.

While installing an air conditioner, an employee who had worked for the company for 15 years lost his life. The worker’s electrical licence had expired, and the job required installation work including relocating isolators on the air conditioners.

During sentencing, the magistrate emphasised the defendant’s failure to manage electrical risks and the profound impact on the deceased worker’s family. The court did however acknowledge the steps undertaken by the defendant post-incident to improve safety procedures, including the engagement of a third-party consultant for a comprehensive safety review.

In addition to the $150,000 fine, the defendant was ordered to pay additional costs of $1500 and a filing fee of $101.40. No conviction was recorded.

Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office said the case highlighted the critical importance of adhering to safety standards and regulations, particularly when working with electricity.

The regulator went on to say that the incident served as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting safety procedures, not only for the individuals directly involved but also for their families and communities.

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