06
Latest
news
Vegetation
worker
electrocuted
By Michelle Robertson, Senior Media
and Communications Advisor
A 22-year-old vegetation worker was killed
in May when the branch of a tree he was
cutting fell into high voltage powerlines in
Chesterville Rd, Highett.
ESV launched an investigation after the
man, who was working for a private tree lopping
company, was electrocuted while cutting the tree
at a suburban property.
Despite being outside the regulatory
clearance space it is believed the man died when
a 4m branch he was cutting made contact with an
11kV powerline.
ESV’s Director of Energy Safety, Paul Fearon,
said it was crucial for arborists and vegetation
workers to always maintain control of vegetation
when cutting near powerlines and to know where
the arc of a branch will fall.
“In addition to knowing the No Go Zone
guidelines, this tragic incident highlights the need
Stiebel Eltron Energy Safe Advert Stratos July 2014.indd 1
A tragic accident: Emergency services respond to the scene of the incident in Highett in which a young
vegetation worked died when a branch he was felling touched powerlines.
for vegetation workers to take extra precautions
and carefully assess each situation to anticipate all
possible safety risks.
“If you’re not sure if the proximity to powerlines
is safe, contact the relevant distribution business
to ask advice and, if necessary, seek a Permit to
Work before you proceed.”
In response to this tragedy, ESV has
commenced work on a new campaign specifically
targeting tradespeople and all those in the
vegetation management and arboriculture
industries.
You can read more about the new
awareness campaign, Don’t put
your life on the line, on Pg 7.
6/20/2014 5:23:33 PM