One dead, one in critical condition following workplace incident

A man has been electrocuted and another is suffering life threatening injuries after the cherry picker they were working in struck overhead powerlines today. The man, aged 35, died at the scene while the other man, aged 20, has been transported to the Alfred Hospital in a critical condition.

WorkSafe believes the men were working for a plumbing business and undertaking routine maintenance work on the roof of a building when the cherry picker struck powerlines.

The death of the man has taken Victoria’s workplace death toll for the year to nine, compared to 13 last year. WorkSafe General Manager for Operations Lisa Sturzenegger said the incident was a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with working near powerlines. "Understanding ‘No go zones’ when working near power lines is essential and strict procedures must be implemented,” she said. “Not doing so greatly increases the risk of direct contact with power lines or of electricity arcing up to three metres from them.”

This case shows the consequences can be instant and last a lifetime, she said, noting that incidents like these not only affect the person and their family, but the consequences are also felt by workmates and friends for years to come.