Look Up and Live: Ausgrid urges public workers to stay alert

Over the past 12 months, contact with Ausgrid's overhead network involving larger vehicles, plant and equipment has increased by 15 per cent, reinforcing the need for heightened awareness when working near powerlines.

In the past 12 months there has been 1442 contacts with the electricity network, which included 534 contacts with our overhead electricity network.

Ausgrid General Manager Safety, Matthew Sweeting, said while many workers are focused on the job in front of them, looking up before starting work could prevent a potentially life-threatening incident.

"Every day, thousands of public workers operate trucks, elevated work platforms, cranes, excavators and other equipment near our electricity network," Mr Sweeting said.

"Contact with overhead powerlines can have devastating consequences. Even if direct contact doesn't occur, electricity can arc across a gap and cause serious injury or death.

"The safest action workers can take is to stop, assess the worksite and identify any overhead powerlines before beginning work. Looking up could save your life,” he said.

Mr Sweeting said National Safe Work Month provided an important opportunity for organisations and workers to refresh their understanding of electrical safety risks.

"We want every worker to get home safely at the end of their shift.

"Whether you're operating a truck delivering materials, pruning trees, undertaking road works, farm work or using heavy machinery on a construction site, maintaining awareness of overhead powerlines must be part of every job.

"A moment of distraction can have serious consequences, but these incidents are preventable when workers plan ahead, maintain safe clearances and remain alert to their surroundings," he said.

Ausgrid is encouraging workers, contractors and organisations to follow a number of simple safety measures when working near the network:

• Always look up and identify overhead powerlines before commencing work
• Plan work activities to avoid operating vehicles, plant or equipment near powerlines where possible
• Maintain safe approach distances from overhead electrical assets
• Use a spotter where appropriate when operating large vehicles or machinery
• Brief all workers on site-specific overhead electrical hazards before work begins
• Never assume powerlines are insulated or safe to touch.

National Safe Work Month, held each October, encourages Australian workplaces to prioritise health and safety and promote practices that help prevent injuries and fatalities.

For more information about working safely around the electricity network, visit Ausgrid's Look Up and Live website.