By Sibanengi Dube
Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is calling upon drivers of heavy machinery like tipper trucks, cranes and tractors to exercise caution when operating close to power lines.
ESV’s call is in response to the 21 percent increase in cases of electric shock and fatal electrocution in 2022.
Energy Safe recorded a 21 per cent increase in incidents from 214 in 2021 to 260 in 2022.
This included the death of a man in Malvern East in February 2022, who was electrocuted after making contact with power lines.
There have already been 48 incidents recorded in January and February this year.
Of the 260 incidents in 2022, 165 involved overhead power lines. The most common machinery involved excavators with 88 incidents, followed by hand tools (28), tipper trucks (20) and rubbish trucks (17).
ESV CEO Leanne Hughson said power line-contact incidents were all avoidable, with most cases caused by distraction, inexperience, tight deadlines, laziness and sun glare.
Ms Hughson said the fact that someone had tragically lost their life should be enough for workers to take better care around power lines.
“Unfortunately, distractions and the need to get things done quickly have unnecessarily cost Victorians their lives in recent years,” Ms Hughson said.
“It’s so easy to forget that the simple act of looking up and checking to location of power lines before you start work, could save your life.”
For those operating heavy plant machinery that comes into contact with a power line, stay inside the vehicle and call for help.
Those outside the vehicle, should stay at least eight metres away, as they can still be shocked when approaching the vehicle.
Below are a few simple safety tips to avoid an incident:
• Understanding No Go Zones, rules and distances for safety clearances near overhead power lines.
• Ensure an Energy-safe-registered spotter is on hand when working near overhead power lines.
• Display Look up and live stickers on any machinery or equipment, which is raised overhead.
• Remember that powerlines are more difficult to see at dawn and dusk and that electricity can jump gaps.
• Be extra aware in rural areas as overhead powerlines are predominantly single conductor lines that are difficult to see and easy to forget.
