The strength of investigators lies in their technical expertise, systematic approach, and independence

In continuation to WHS issues with Dr. Daniela Vavrova

In early 2025, a serious incident occurred at a residential construction site when a worker suffered an electric shock while operating an elevating work platform (EWP). The worker was lowering lengths of roof guttering that extended beyond the platform’s guardrails. As the material overhung, it appears to have contacted an overhead powerline. The result was a severe electric shock to the worker and a fire that damaged the property. The investigation is ongoing, but preliminary findings highlight long-recognised hazards of working near overhead electrical infrastructure. Powerlines can cause shock, arcing, or fire even without direct contact, and the risks increase when plant or materials enter the designated “exclusion zones.”

WorkSafe Queensland’s guidance emphasises the importance of prevention through proper planning and control measures. These include eliminating risks where possible by de-energising or rerouting powerlines, ensuring safe work systems maintain distances from live lines, consulting maps or asset owners to identify hazards, and using trained, competent workers to assess the risks of plant, materials, weather, and line movement. Additional controls such as supervision, training in safe load handling, protective devices, and rescue procedures are also critical.

You can read full article here: Worker suffers electric shock and causes fire to property

Investigators, Dr. Dani says, play a central role in incidents like this, assisting both employers and employees. For employers, they help identify root causes—whether risk assessments, supervision, or training were insufficient—and provide recommendations to strengthen systems of work, thereby reducing liability and preventing future accidents. For employees, investigators ensure that the circumstances are accurately understood, that their safety is prioritised in future tasks, and that accountability and compensation processes are fair. Their neutrality ensures that both parties are heard, and the evidence is objectively assessed.

The strength of investigators lies in their technical expertise, systematic approach, and independence. They can reconstruct the physical conditions of the accident, measure clearances, and test whether safety systems complied with regulations. Importantly, they look beyond the immediate trigger (the contact with the powerline) to examine underlying causes such as equipment limitations, planning failures, or organisational culture. Their access to regulatory standards, historical data, and specialist knowledge allows them to provide practical, enforceable recommendations.

By combining technical knowledge with communication skills, investigators transform complex findings into safety alerts and guidance that resonate across industries. This ensures not only that the specific workplace improves but also that lessons are shared widely, preventing recurrence elsewhere. In incidents involving high-risk hazards like electricity, their capacity to balance evidence, legal requirements, and human factors is essential for both justice and prevention.

Cause and Effect Breakdown with Corrective Actions