Safety First, Last, and Always - Why cutting corners could cost you more than you think; a tale of High Voltage hazards and the shocking truth about workplace safety
Here in Aotearoa, workplace safety is more than just a legal obligation; it’s an essential part of protecting your workforce. Failing to uphold safety standards can lead to serious injuries, devastating personal consequences, and heavy financial penalties.
Recently I have been working with a start-up electrical company in developing their SOPs, and we got to discussing a real-life incident from a few years back. It was good to review the learnings from this case and also to outlines practical steps they (and other employers) can take to create safer work environments.
In 2017, a young apprentice electrician suffered severe injuries while dismantling scaffolding near overhead powerlines. The workers on-site, including the apprentice, were unaware of the full risks of working near powerlines, and the necessary safety briefing was skipped. This lack of awareness, combined with gaps in supervision and safety protocols, led to a tragic accident. While working near high-voltage powerlines, the apprentice was electrocuted, resulting in severe electrical burns and the amputation of both arms. The incident had a devastating impact on the worker's life and highlighted the serious consequences of neglecting safety procedures.
After the incident, the employer was held accountable for failing to ensure the safety of its workers. The company faced legal action for breaching health and safety obligations, which ultimately resulted in a court decision that reinforced the importance of strict adherence to safety standards. The court backed Worksafe and emphasised that employers must not only implement safety protocols but also ensure that workers are properly trained, supervised, and understand the risks associated with their tasks. This case showed that safety is not something to be taken for granted, and failure to comply can have severe financial and legal consequences.
Practical Lessons for Employers
The accident serves as a powerful reminder for employers about the critical importance of workplace safety, especially when it comes to inexperienced workers. Here are the key lessons and practical steps that employers can take to prevent such incidents:
Comprehensive training during the induction period (and beyond) is non-negotiable -The first step in ensuring workplace safety is providing thorough training. In this case, the lack of proper safety training meant that workers were unaware of the risks they were exposed to.
Practical Tip: Ensure that all workers, especially new employees or apprentices, receive comprehensive safety induction and training. This training should cover potential hazards, the correct safety procedures, and the specific risks associated with their job. Both theoretical (manuals, online courses, etc.) and practical (hands-on demonstrations) training should be provided. Never assume that workers, particularly young ones, know the basics of safety.
Don't skip supervision and check-in regularly - Supervision was another critical issue in this case. While safety protocols were in place, there was no effective monitoring to ensure they were being followed.
Practical Tip: Implement regular supervision checks to ensure safety procedures are being followed. Supervisors should be proactive in intervening if something seems off and should perform spot checks on high-risk tasks. Safety briefings and toolbox talks should be held regularly to reinforce safety awareness.
Enforce safety protocols and procedures (and actively use and refer to them!) - Having safety procedures in place is important, but they’re only effective if they are enforced. In this case, while safety protocols were in place, there was a breakdown in communication, and workers were not consistently following the necessary procedures.
Practical Tip: Make safety procedures visible and easy to follow. Create checklists for high-risk tasks and ensure that these protocols are consistently enforced. It’s also essential to set clear consequences for failing to follow safety procedures. Workers must understand that cutting corners on safety is not acceptable.
Foster a culture of open communication and reporting - In this case, workers weren’t comfortable reporting potential safety issues or unsafe work practices. Creating a culture of open communication can prevent accidents by encouraging workers to speak up about safety concerns.
Practical Tip: Create a safe environment where workers feel confident to report hazards and unsafe practices without fear of retaliation. Implement an anonymous reporting system if necessary. Regularly remind workers that safety is a shared responsibility and that their input is crucial to maintaining a safe workplace.
Continually review and update safety practices (this isn't an annual thing) - After the incident, the employer took steps to improve their safety practices, revising work processes, revisiting training, and seeking expert advice. This highlights the importance of continually reviewing and improving safety protocols.
Practical Tip: Conduct regular safety audits and reviews of your workplace practices. As your business grows, sites change and new hazards emerge, your safety systems need to evolve. Engage experts to assess your safety systems and incorporate feedback from workers on how safety protocols can be improved. Don’t wait for an incident to trigger a review—be proactive in ensuring your safety procedures are up to date.
Workplace safety isn’t just a regulatory requirement - it’s a moral obligation. By ensuring that you have proper training, supervision, enforcement of safety procedures, open communication, and continuous improvement, you are protecting your most valuable asset—your employees. The consequences of failing to uphold these standards can be catastrophic, both for your workers and for your business.
Taking the time to invest in safety today can prevent costly incidents in the future. So, make it a priority to ensure your safety systems are robust, and your workers are trained, supported, and always vigilant.
For more insights on workplace safety and compliance in New Zealand, get in touch with the Yellow team today. We specialise in helping businesses implement practical, effective safety systems to protect their workers and their bottom line.
Disclaimer This article, and any information contained on our website is necessarily brief and general in nature, and should not be substituted for professional advice. You should always seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters addressed.
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