The electrical industry is shocked to hear of another tragic death of a tradesman working in a roof space of a Carlton NSW home this week.  Emergency services were called to the house near the corner of Short Street and Bent Street just before 3pm after reports the man, 25, had been electrocuted. Paramedics tried to revive the man but he later died. SafeWork NSW is investigating the incident.

“At this point in time we are unsure as to whether this young man was an electrician,” said Mr Suresh Manickam.  ”But with six electrical industry-related fatalities in, or on, roof spaces in little over a year we must become more vigilant in how this type of work is managed,” he added.

We are reminded that most roof spaces are generally dirty, hot, restricted environments that can be full of hazards. The nature of the physical volume to operate in such an environment can also have a psychological impact on decision making, so we urge greater vigilance in roof spaces.

Whilst all the details are not yet known, NECA calls on governments to adopt NECA’s policy relating to Home Safety Electrical Audits. NECA argues that routine/regular electrical safety checks in residential or commercial property will provide a clear signal to property owners with respect to safety/standard adequacy. Such a signal should then give rise to property owners who will act to improve the wiring (and safety) standards of their property.

“We urge business operators, managers and tradespeople to work together to put in place more effective health and safety measures, and to ensure appropriate staff training is conducted to minimise the risk of serious injuries or possible fatalities.  Collectively, we can work to eliminate such tragedies.  We extend our condolences to this young man’s family,” Mr Manickam concluded.

-ENDS-

Media enquiries and interviews

Barry Jackson – National Marketing and Communications

E barry.jackson@neca.asn.au

D 02 9962 6904

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Policy enquiries

Andrew Jefferies – Policy and Projects

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Notes for editors

1. NECA is the peak industry body representing the interests of electrical and communications contractors Australia-wide.
2. NECA is run by electrical contractors, for electrical contractors.
3. We have 5,000 contracting companies as members – and they in turn employ over 50,000 people Australia-wide.
4. NECA employs almost 350 people across its seven chapters (Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia).
5. The chapters provide NECA members with a range of services including: Industrial Relations, Health & Safety, Legal, Technical, Training, business-support services, product discounts and advocacy representation in Canberra with Government, Industry bodies and Training bodies.
6. NECA wholly-owns its RTOs and GTOs in NSW, VIC & WA, the EcoSmart Electricians initiative and ACRS – one of the national cabling registrars, and has a joint venture with a superannuation company in NSW (NESS Super).
7. NECA also employ around 2,000 apprentice electricians and provides training to a further 2,000.
8. For further information go to www.neca.asn.au.