Man's body found in roof cavity

The discovery of a man’s body inside a roof cavity in the Sydney suburb of Panania reinforces the importance of safety when working with live electricity, says the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

Although details of the incident are not yet confirmed, NECA said it appears that the man may have cut through a live wire while conducting works in the roof of the property.

A tool set and ladder were found at the scene.

The tragic incident is just one of several recent reports of fatalities by electrocution.

A 21-year-old apprentice from Victoria was allegedly killed in September during unsupervised work in a friend’s roof cavity, while a 76-year-old worker, also from Victoria, was reportedly electrocuted during maintenance on a pump at a farm near Geelong on 4 November.

A 25-year-old also died just last week during maintenance work on an air conditioner at a factory in Braeside, Victoria.

Suresh Manickam, CEO of NECA, said this latest incident is another sad reminder of the dangers of working with live electricity and the general public should utilise licensed electricians for any electrical work in the home.

“On behalf of NECA and the wider industry, I extend my sympathies to the family and loved ones of the deceased man,” said Manickam.