Posted on: 2 October 2025
SafeWork NSW has issued a critical safety reminder following a serious electrical incident involving an Elevating Work Platform (EWP) and roof guttering that made contact with overhead powerlines.
📊 Incident summary
A worker suffered an electric shock and the property caught fire after guttering overhung from an EWP and touched live overhead powerlines.
Investigations are ongoing, but the incident highlights several key risks:
- ⚠️ Operating EWPs near overhead powerlines
- ⚠️ Allowing materials to overhang beyond platform limits
- ⚠️ Failing to maintain minimum exclusion zones
⚠️ Electrical hazards at a glance
- Electric shock or electrocution
- Arcing, fires, or explosions
- Property damage or equipment loss
✅ Key safety controls
To reduce the risk of electrical incidents when working near powerlines, implement the following:
- 🔜 De-energise or re-route powerlines in consultation with the power provider
- 🔜 Develop a Safe System of Work to stay outside exclusion zones
- 🔜 Use spotters/safety observers to monitor clearance
- 🔜 Mark powerlines with warning flags and plan routes away from live conductors
- 🔜 Prepare a detailed Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for the job
📂 How SWMS Generator helps
SWMS Generator helps principal contractors and subcontractors:
- ✔️ Create SWMS for working around powerlines
- ✔️ Address electrical hazards in high-risk construction work
- ✔️ Ensure compliance with WHS and SafeWork NSW requirements
Electrical incidents are preventable — but only with the right systems in place.