Employers and contractors operating heavy vehicles and machinery are being urged to always check for powerlines, following a spate of serious incidents.
Late last month a driver escaped without injury after his tip truck came into contact with overhead powerlines, while delivering fertiliser on a farm at Moglonemby near Euroa.
Earlier in February, a 55-year-old truck driver was electrocuted in a similar incident at Kergunyah, near Albury.
WorkSafe Health and Safety Director Marnie Williams said anyone in control of a workplace must ensure that workers were not put at risk from powerlines.
“No one sets out to hit powerlines but they can sometimes be difficult to see,” Ms Williams said.
No one sets out to hit powerlines but they can sometimes be difficult to see.
- Marnie Williams, WorkSafe Health and Safety Director.
Director of Energy Safety at Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) Paul Fearon said nearly all deaths and near misses involving large machinery and powerlines were avoidable.
“Since 2006, ESV has been urging people to Look Up and Live, that is, check for powerlines before work begins,” Mr Fearon said.
Overhead powerline warning signs are available from Energy Safe Victoria.
