Teen worker injured after apparent powerline contact

WA’s energy safety regulator, Building and Energy, has investigated a recent incident in the Perth suburb of Gnangara in which a teenager appears to have received an electric shock from high-voltage powerlines while clearing vegetation.

Building and Energy electrical inspectors attended the property where witness accounts indicated the young man sustained serious hand and other injuries after his trimming equipment made contact with the powerlines, causing the electric current to pass through his body.

The high-voltage powerlines carry 22,000 volts of electricity.

“This is an extremely distressing event that will no doubt have long-lasting impacts on this young man, his family and the people who were working alongside him,” said WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan.

Abdoolakhan urged property owners to engage suitably qualified arborists, rather than attempting to trim trees themselves near live electrical infrastructure.

“As well as the dangers of electric shock, arcing or fire, there are also fall risks,” he said.

“Branches, tools and other objects can conduct electricity, while overhead wires can still be dangerous even without direct contact.”

Building and Energy’s Guidelines for the management of vegetation near power lines has more information on clearance zones and responsibilities for different powerlines, properties and vegetation types.

For vegetation workers, the Code of Practice for vegetation worker electrical safety is also available online along with a guide, training information and an online assessment.

Image credit: iStock.com/ doublediamondphoto