Tragic Deaths Spark Urgent Call for Stricter Safety Measures in NZ Workplaces

The tragic death of a 25-year-old Irishman, along with a serious injury sustained by another worker, has highlighted the critical importance of safety protocols in New Zealand’s agricultural and construction sectors. Both incidents occurred due to a failure to recognize and mitigate the dangers posed by overhead power lines, leading to increased scrutiny on workplace safety measures. In February 2023, the young man, identified as Mr. Clear, was working on a farm near Whakapapa Village when his mower became bogged down. A digger was called in to extract the immobilized machine, and in the process, it accidentally contacted an overhead power line carrying 33,000 volts. As Mr. Clear attempted to steady the mower, the high voltage electricity surged through the digger's arm and fatally electrocuted him. Following an investigation, WorkSafe New Zealand found that Clear's employer, Coogan Contracting, had not conducted a proper risk assessment to identify the overhead power lines as a hazard, nor did they have a spotter present to monitor the situation. As a result, the company was ordered to pay $100,000 in reparations and was fined $25,000 after admitting to violations under the Health and Safety at Work Act. The local community, particularly the Clough-Ballacolla Gaelic Athletic Association, mourned the loss, with chairman Gordon Pearson describing Mr. Clear as a kind and approachable young man who was well-loved by all. “It was a freak accident,” Pearson commented, underscoring the unexpected nature of the tragedy. The issue of safety around power lines did not end with Mr. Clear's death. In May 2023, a second incident occurred involving Emmett Holmes-O'Connor, who suffered severe burns and fractures while working on scaffolding in Waiheke. While carrying aluminium cladding, he inadvertently came into contact with an 11kV high-voltage line, causing him to fall nearly four meters. WorkSafe's subsequent investigation held both Joan Carpenters Limited and Church Bay Services Limited accountable for their lapses in health and safety protocols. The companies were fined $16,500 and $13,500, respectively, and were ordered to pay a combined reparation of $42,818. In light of these alarming incidents, WorkSafe officials have called for stricter safety measures regarding power lines to prevent similar accidents in the future. Danielle Henry, WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, emphasized the dangers inherent in working near high-voltage lines. “Both cases are a horrific reminder of just how dangerous it can be when businesses do not take enough care with working around power lines. Businesses must manage their risks and where they don’t, we will take action,” she warned. In an urgent appeal to workers and businesses alike, WorkSafe urged the importance of adhering to specific mandated requirements when working near electricity. Henry reminded workers to always check for necessary consent from local lines companies before commencing work, highlighting that diligence in these matters can save lives. As New Zealand grapples with the repercussions of these tragedies, it is evident that increased awareness and rigorous adherence to safety protocols are essential in protecting the lives of workers across industries.