Two electrocutions sad start for 2016

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has expressed its concerns over safe industry practices as two workers have already died in 2016 from electrocution.

NECA’s CEO, Suresh Manickam, said Australia’s first workplace fatality for 2016, the death of a 24-year-old man while working on the rooftop of a local shopping centre in the Melbourne suburb of Dallas, is another sad reminder of the dangers of working with live electricity.

“While full details are as yet unknown, this incident provides further evidence of the very serious nature of our industry and the dangers of live electrical work,” Manickam said.

His death leaves behind a wife and a five-month-old daughter.

The incident was followed by the death of a second worker who died from electrocution at a farm in northern Victoria.

It is understood the man, 21, was working on a submersible pump in a drainage pit.

Worksafe Victoria is currently investigating both incidents.

“This is a tragic event that has become all too frequent in recent times. We must all be vigilant when it comes to electrical safety,” added Manickam.