SafeWork NSW Inspectors are reminding employers and workers of the risks of working with or near electricity following a concerning number of fatalities and serious injuries.
Electrocution is the second leading cause of traumatic fatalities in construction in NSW, whilst electric shock incidents can result in life-changing long-term recovery injuries for survivors.
In 2023, there were 60 workplace fatalities in NSW, five were in relation to contact with electricity. In the past two weeks, two people have died on NSW worksites relating to electrocutions:
- On 22 May 2025, a male worker was electrocuted while working on power lines in Randwick.
- On 3 June 2025, a male worker was also electrocuted while working on power heads in a holiday park on the South Coast NSW.
Business owners must ensure workers working with electricity are properly trained, licenced and supervised to ensure workers are kept safe. Key actions to be taken to keep workers safe include:
- Ensure electrical risks associated with the design, construction, installation, protection, maintenance and testing of electrical equipment and electrical installations at a workplace are managed.
- ensure 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 licenced 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) (safety switches) are in use.
- extension leads are on insulated stands or hooks to prevent damage and trip hazards.
- there is a safe distance from powerline and "no go" zones are observed. [minimum of 3 metre separation, 4 metre separation - between scaffold and power lines].
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.
Quotes to be attributed to Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin:
"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."
"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."
"Business owners must ensure their employees are undertaking safe work practices and always ensure workplaces are up to standard."
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