After an alarming increase in heavy vehicles and machinery contacting powerlines, including one in Coolum last month, Energex is appealing to workers in high-risk industries to Look Up and Live and Dial Before you Dig.
There were 432 accidental contacts with powerlines in Queensland last year compared to 360 reported in the previous 12 months.
On 20 April an underground cable was damaged during construction work in Coolum.
“We are especially concerned that incidents in South East Queensland have more than doubled,“ Energex community safety manager Aaron Smith said.
“In the last month we’ve seen a truck roll into a power pole and bring down overhead powerlines at Darra, excavators damaging overhead and underground cables, and a survey peg hammered into an underground cable at New Farm.
“Fortunately, no one was injured in these incidents, but the next person may not be so lucky.
“If you are working around powerlines, whether they are overhead or underground, there are tools and information available to help you reduce the risks.
“Use our free Look Up and Live mobile app to plan work near the overhead network and contact Dial Before You Dig to check the location of underground cables on your worksite.“
Last year there were marked increases in powerline contacts involving road transport, construction and demolition, earthmoving and agriculture.
“We understand that truck drivers have a lot of risks to think about on the road, but anyone who is in control of an oversized vehicle or carrying a high or wide load needs to be aware of power poles and powerlines because their life is on the line,“ Mr Smith said.
“Contacting powerlines could be lethal, cause serious injuries or destroy your plant and equipment, so please Look Up and Live and Dial Before you Dig.
