NSW reports two electrocutions in two weeks

SafeWork NSW Inspectors have issued a strong warning about the dangers of working with electricity, following two recent deaths that occurred within the same fortnight.

Electrocution is the second leading cause of traumatic fatalities in construction in NSW, while electric shock survivors can suffer life-changing injuries. Of the 60 workplace fatalities that occurred in NSW in 2023, five were in relation to contact with electricity.

Over a two-week period in 2025, two electricity-related deaths occurred in the state:

On 22 May, a male worker was electrocuted while working on powerlines in Randwick. On 3 June 2025, another male worker was electrocuted while working on power heads in a holiday park on the NSW South Coast.

“Two deaths in two weeks is an absolute tragedy and my condolences are with the families, friends and colleagues of those who have sadly lost their lives,” said Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin.

“Electricity risks are well known. SafeWork NSW Inspectors will continue to take a zero-tolerance response where they come across serious electrical risks such as working live and will issue penalty notices to businesses and, where necessary, to workers,” Curtin added.

SafeWork NSW is reminding business owners to ensure workers working with electricity are properly trained, licensed and supervised. Key actions to keep workers safe include ensuring that:

• electrical risks associated with the design, construction, installation, protection, maintenance and testing of electrical equipment and electrical installations at a workplace are managed;
• work on or around electricity is well planned, and that a safe work method statement (SWMS) is developed for high-risk construction work and is being followed;
• only licensed workers (with correct licence level) are carrying out electrical work;
• no live work is being undertaken (limited exceptions apply);
• extension and power tool leads are regularly inspected for any damage, and testing and tagging is up to date for electrical items used in hostile operating environments where they are more exposed to damage;
• residual current devices (RCDs) are in use;
• extension leads are on insulated stands or hooks to prevent damage and trip hazards;
• there is a safe distance from powerlines, and ‘no go’ zones are observed (minimum of 4-metre approach distance for metallic scaffolding used near overhead powerlines).
   

“Business owners must ensure their employees are undertaking safe work practices and always ensure workplaces are up to standard,” Curtin said.

Workers who have concerns about workplace health and safety can anonymously contact SafeWork on 13 10 50 or through the ‘Speak Up Save Lives’ website.

Business owners and workers can access a range of resources on the SafeWork NSW website to help manage the risks of working with electricity.

Image credit: iStock.com/SCM Jeans. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.