Charges laid over high-voltage injuries to apprentice

Flash burns suffered by an apprentice working on high-voltage powerlines have led to charges being laid against Metro Trains.

WorkSafe Victoria charged the company for a breach of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, namely failing to maintain systems of work that were safe and without risks to health.

The charge follows an investigation into an incident in April 2016 in which an apprentice received flash burns to his face and hands while working on overhead powerlines between Box Hill and Blackburn train stations.

The apprentice was working on a 22,000-volt line from an elevated work platform when it was prematurely energised from a central control room, resulting in an explosion. He remained on the platform as the line was energised again, resulting in a second explosion before he could be brought to safety.

The charges were filed in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.

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