Safety call after electric shock

06 May 2008

WorkSafe is investigating an incident in which a young worker suffered an electric shock at South Yarra early today. 

The 22-year-old man from Wallan was using a hammer drill to prepare a footpath for a concrete pour.

WorkSafe believes the drill struck an 11,000 volt cable embedded in the concrete.

The ambulance service said the injured man was given first aid by co-workers and was taken to the Alfred Hospital in a stable condition with serious burns to his hands and flash burns to his face.

WorkSafe’s Executive Director, John Merritt said while WorkSafe’s inquiries were at an early stage, today’s incident should prompt a review of safety measures in all workplaces.

“Experience shows us that the incident that kills is not much different from the one that you can walk away from.

“Surviving a day at work should not be a matter of luck, but the product of regular safety reviews, discussion about known and potential hazards and implementation of safety management plans.

“Put together, they reduce the potential for disaster along with pain, often long-term rehabilitation, lost productivity and increased business costs.”