Prosecution Details

(1) Being the main contractor at a workplace where demolition work other than class 1, class 2 or class 3 demolition work was being done, failed to ensure that the work was done in accordance with AS 2601 in that it failed to ensure that the electricity service, which was no longer required, was disconnected and sealed off before stripping or demolition work commenced.

(2) Being the main contractor at a workplace where demolition work other than class 1, class 2 or class 3 demolition work was being done, failed to ensure that the work was done in accordance with AS 2601 in that it failed to prepare the work plan referred to in AS 2601.

The defendant was a main contractor demolishing a single storey house at Midland.

On 14 December 2001 an employee was removing internal wall linings of a house at the site. The employee was using a hatchet and a pinch bar to remove the internal wall lining, when the hatchet hit the live electrical cable running into the rear of the electrical meter box. This resulted in the employee receiving an electrical shock with minor hair loss to his chest and arms.

When interviewed, the defendant admitted that he'd been initially aware that the power had not been disconnected and had applied to have it disconnected.

The company also failed to prepare a demolition work plan before commencing the demolition work.

The defendant pleaded guilty.