Electrical contractor charged with manslaughter over death at building site
An electrical contractor has been charged with the manslaughter of a young labourer who was electrocuted on his 9th day of work on a building site in central Queensland.
The electrical contractor named Nathan Day, 29, has been charged with the manslaughter of Jason Garrels and appeared at Brisbane Magistrates court on July 21.
An inquest into Jason Garrels death was held last year.
It was just a few days before Jason Garrels 21st birthday when he died building townhouses during heavy rain at Clermont in 2012.
During a clean-up of the outdoor site, Jason was asked to move a switchboard box, but its covering had slipped and the box came into contact with live wires. Mr Garrels held onto the switchboard for 3 seconds, staggered backwards and then collapsed on the muddy ground, the inquest heard.
This tragic death of a young worker highlights the vital importance of identifying, eliminating, minimising and controlling the hazards and risks associated with working on building sites.
Electricity and wet conditions can cause an extremely high risk work environment.
It is essential to have safe systems of work and safe working procedures in place at all workplaces …….. it is also the law.
It is also essential for all workers, especially young workers to be adequately inducted, trained and supervised to reduce the potential for critical incidents at work.
Young workers can sometimes be at increased risk of workplace injury due to lack of experience, maturity and awareness. They may also be:
- unaware of their rights and responsibilities
- unaware of the duties of others regarding workplace health and safety
- developing their skills, competencies and physical capabilities
- unfamiliar with appropriate workplace behaviours
- reluctant to make requests, ask questions
- reluctant to speak out about problems or concerns
- overly keen to please and make a good impression
- over-confident in their capabilities.
