Prosecution Details

Being an employer at a workplace, failed to ensure that all electrical installations at the workplace were maintained so as to minimise the risk of electrical shock or fire.

The defendant conducts a timber merchant and building supply business in Cockburn. A WorkSafe Inspector observed a metal saw with its electrical lead covered with yellow electrical tape. The saw's power lead was badly dmaged in that the insultation had been burned and was in a deteriorated state. The inspector removed the electrical lead and the defendant subsequently had a new lead fitted to the saw which was protected by a length of plastic hose.

The defendant was found guilty on 15 December 2001 and was subsequently fined $1750 on 2 May 2002 at the Fremantle Court of Petty Sessions (charge number 01/816). The defendant subsequently appealed. The Supreme Court of Western Australia dismissed the appeal and the original fine remains.