Transport company charged after worker suffers electric shock

WorkSafe Victoria has charged transport company Malina Enterprises Pty Ltd after a worker was seriously injured when a crane truck he was operating struck overhead powerlines at a construction site at Dromana in April 2021. The company is facing three charges under section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to provide and maintain a workplace that was safe and without risks to health.

The company allegedly contravened regulation 114(b) of the OHS Regulations by failing to ensure plant that was exposed to an electrical hazard was not used in a manner that was likely to trigger such hazards. WorkSafe also alleges that the company breached section 21(2)(e) of the OHS Act by failing to provide information, instruction or training to enable employees to work safely. The company is also accused of contravening regulation 327(1) of the OHS Regulations by failing to prepare a safe work method statement (SWMS) before performing high-risk construction work.

The matter was addressed at a filing hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 28 June 2022.

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