ERGON Energy has been fined $29,000 after a worker suffered first and second degree burns while working on live powerlines in Ilfracombe in January 2008.
Ergon Energy pleaded guilty in the Longreach Industrial Magistrates Court under Section 27 of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 to a charge of failing in its obligation to ensure that its business or undertaking was conducted in a way that was electrically safe.
On 24 January 2008, a three-man crew was replacing electrical parts on a live line to upgrade the high voltage network in Flinders Street, Ilfracombe. They were using an elevated platform. To protect the worker working live, the crew placed a flat insulating mat over the centre conductor, holding it in place with a plastic peg.
The worker removing the insulator discs from the power pole had difficulty in removing the discs. He used a screwdriver to move the discs, but when he tried to put the tool back into his pocket, the insulating mat became dislodged and the worker came into contact with the powerline.
The worker suffered third degree burns to his left elbow and first degree burns to the right elbow area.
In addition to the $29,000 fine for its electrical safety obligation breach, Ergon Energy was also ordered to pay investigation costs of $3755.00 and court costs of $68.60.