Case 1: Kiwi Fencing Limited

Kiwi Fencing Limited was recently fined $100,000 after an employee suffered serious injuries from contact with a live overhead power line. The worker was operating machinery near the power lines, and the lack of sufficient risk identification and control measures led to the unfortunate event.

Key Lessons

• Always conduct a thorough risk assessment before commencing work.
• Ensure all workers are informed about the presence of overhead power lines.
• Implement control measures, such as barriers or spotters, to minimise risk.

Case 2: Elevation Roofing Limited

Elevation Roofing Limited faced a fine of $75,000 when one of its employees sustained electric shock injuries due to inadequate safety precautions near power lines. Despite the high-risk nature of the task, the necessary safeguards were not in place, exposing workers to preventable dangers.

Key Lessons

• Workers must maintain minimum approach distances as specified in the New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Electrical Safe Distances (NZECP 34).
• Training sessions should regularly highlight the dangers of working near electrical hazards.
• Emergency protocols should be established and communicated clearly to all team members.

Case 3: Icon Concepts Limited

In another case, Icon Concepts Limited was fined $90,000 for failing to maintain safe distances from overhead lines. This breach resulted in a worker’s injury during property development activities. The absence of adequate site planning and monitoring contributed to the hazardous situation.

Key Lessons

• Proper site planning should account for all potential electrical hazards.
• Supervisors must monitor ongoing activities to ensure safety protocols are followed.
• Physical barriers and visible warning signs should be installed where necessary.

WorkSafe’s Call to Action

In light of these incidents, WorkSafe New Zealand is urging all businesses to:

• Identify overhead power lines before starting any work. This step involves conducting a detailed site assessment to locate all potential hazards.
• Maintain minimum approach distances, as outlined in NZECP 34, to ensure that workers and machinery do not come into dangerous proximity with power lines.
• Implement appropriate control measures, such as physical barriers, warning signs, and spotters, to safeguard workers from potential harm.

How Advanced Safety Can Help

At Advanced Safety, we partner with businesses to navigate the complexities of health and safety compliance. Our services include:

• Comprehensive Assessments: We identify hazards and evaluate current practices to ensure alignment with regulatory standards.
• Health and Safety Management Systems: Tailored systems that integrate safety into your daily operations.
• In-House Support and Training: Workshops and training sessions designed to upskill your workforce.
• Incident Investigations: Expert analysis to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Contractor Management Solutions: Streamlined systems to manage contractor compliance and safety.

The Importance of Compliance

Workplace safety is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about safeguarding the most valuable asset of any business—its people. Non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including:

• Financial Costs: Fines, legal fees, and increased insurance premiums.
• Reputational Damage: Losing trust among employees, clients, and stakeholders.
• Operational Disruptions: Investigations and corrective actions can halt projects and delay timelines.

Conclusion

The cases of Kiwi Fencing Limited, Elevation Roofing Limited, and Icon Concepts Limited serve as sobering reminders of the consequences of neglecting workplace safety. By learning from these incidents and implementing proactive measures, businesses can protect their workers, comply with regulations, and avoid the high costs of non-compliance.

At Advanced Safety, we are here to support you in building a safer, more resilient workplace. Contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate your health and safety responsibilities with confidence.

At Advanced Safety, we are here to support you in building a safer, more resilient workplace. Contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate your health and safety responsibilities with confidence.