A Mandurah electrical contractor has been fined $12,000 after taking six weeks to inform authorities about an apprentice’s electric shock, which must be reported immediately.

At Armadale Magistrates Court on 9 February 2024, Ballantyne Commercial Property Services (EC14101) pleaded guilty to not immediately reporting an electrical accident to the network operator, as required by WA’s electrical licensing regulations.

The court was told Ballantyne was contracted to carry out electrical work at a premises in Beckenham. The three employees who attended the site on 21 February 2022 included a third-year electrical apprentice, who received an electric shock after touching live wires while disconnecting cables in the ceiling space.

On 1 April 2022, a Ballantyne employee contacted Building and Energy about the electric shock because the company’s managers had not reported the incident as required by law. A Ballantyne director later informed the network operator, Western Power, on 11 April 2022.

Magistrate Clare Cullen noted the apprentice was not seriously injured but added this was a matter of good luck rather than good management. Her Honour said the company directors would be aware of their reporting obligations and it was a “brave act” by the employee who first reported the incident.

Her Honour acknowledged Ballantyne’s guilty plea, remorse and prior good character, as well as the low risk to the public, but added that the six-week reporting delay impacted on inquiries and safety actions related to the incident.

WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, said the case should send a strong message to all electrical contractors about their responsibilities.

“Electrical incidents must be reported immediately to ensure the area is made safe and an investigation can commence as soon as possible to address any underlying issues,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.

“It is incredibly fortunate that the apprentice was not seriously injured and no one else received an electric shock while this incident was unreported. Above all else, safety must be the primary consideration for everyone involved in the electrical industry.”

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Media contact: BEmedia@dmirs.wa.gov.au