From the Desk of the CEO

From the desk of the CEO

Lessons from Pink Batts

The Qld Coroner’s Inquest report (July 2013) into the death by electrocution of three young men working with foil insulation may have some important lessons for us. Many of our buildings are old stock and as we move to refurbish them, or install sprinklers, we want to provide a safe workplace.

The Qld Coroner made a recommendation that the government consider the option of mandating Residual Current Devices (sometimes called electrical safety switches) on older buildings, not just new constructions. However, I point out that risk management is about eliminating, controlling or reducing risk. RCDs reduce risk, they cannot eliminate all risk.

Other important measures raised by the Coroner included making sure the hazards of the site were fully understood, and that Safe Work Method Statements are in place and being followed.

As we commenced the sprinkler retrofitting program we heard from several organisations about how important it was to get preliminary assessments done to understand any hazards before work commenced – water, electrical, asbestos, etc. Not only does this improve safety, it is also cost effective as you know exactly what needs to be managed on the site, prior to commencing work. If you appoint an external contractor to do the work, they must make their own risk assessment. You may provide your reports to them, they need to do their own assessment.

Another concern raised by the Coroner was the speed with which the works were being done. To date we are on a reasonable program of works for sprinklers and for any refurbishments. We need to be sure the deadlines don’t become a driver of unsafe practices.

Please take the time to get assessments done before you commence any refurbishment; allow enough time to do the work; and if appropriate, take this opportunity to install Residual Current Devices to make your buildings safer.

Working in enclosed spaces is hazardous. There is a Safe Work Australia Code of Practice to help you assess and manage your electrical risks. The link is