Electrical apprentices safety pilot program a succ...
This information is from the Queensland Government’s Fair and Safe Work website under Electrical Safety.
The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) is set to expand a successful pilot training program next year to raise safety awareness among Queensland’s apprentice electricians.
Executive Director of the Electrical Safety Office Peter Lamont said the fatality last year of an electrical tradesperson who was only nine months out of his apprenticeship and other serious incidents highlighted how vital it was to work more closely with electrical apprentices.
Mr Lamont said safe workplace practices needed to be entrenched at the start of an apprentice’s career, to prevent such tragedies occurring.
There have been 28 serious incidents involving electrical workers in Queensland in the last two years, including two fatalities.
Byron Waldburger, Jon Goodfellow and Tim Grant in the Parliament House electrical switch room
Three fourth-year apprentices recently completed a 12-week pilot program which highlighted the work of the Electrical Safety Office in ensuring that the safety message is delivered to those about to start their career in the electrical industry.
During the 12-week program, the apprentices spent time in the field with electrical inspectors assisting with process audits, electrical installation verification and some safety investigations.
When the apprentices return to their workplaces, their experiences will help them to promote a stronger emphasis on electrical safety. The program, which has industry support, aims to help improve the apprentices’ knowledge and awareness of electrical safety and promote the role of the Electrical Safety Office, while offering secure work placements.
The ESO will expand the program next year with six fourth-year apprentices.
