Electrical Safety Fortnight a success!
ESO embarked on an ambitious journey moving the much-loved Electrical Safety Week into Electrical Safety Fortnight (2-14 September), a campaign that is designed to elevate awareness and education around electrical safety across various sectors and communities.
This extended two-week format saw us engage with a diverse audience, including electrical workers, contractors, industry stakeholders, registered training organisations (RTOs) and homeowners across the state. The response was positive, underscoring a collective commitment to safety that resonates throughout our communities.
The fortnight kicked off with the Electrical Safety Summit on September 3 at Victoria Park, where approximately 135 attendees gathered in person, and many more joined via livestream. This summit was pivotal, featuring influential speakers Moana Hope, former AFL player, Ergon Energy’s Glen (Cookie) Cook, Daniel Anderson from Powerlink, and Robert Wicks, A/Executive Director from ESO sharing invaluable insights on the evolving landscape of the electrical industry with a focus on renewables, stakeholder and community engagement and learnings for the future in the electrical industry. Central to the discussions was the new Electrical Safety Plan for Queensland 2023-2027 , presented by Keith McKenzie, Commissioner for Electrical Safety, emphasising the importance of stakeholder and community engagement as a vital strategy for improving safety outcomes. Our thanks to Belinda Watton, Executive General Manager, Yurika, for hosting the event again this year!
The fortnight also launched the first Women in the Electrical Industry session. This event brought together over 100 women online and in person from across the electrical industry, creating a space for them to share their experiences, build connections, and support each other’s professional growth. As keynote speaker Veronica Mauri, (the first female electrical contractor in Queensland!) eloquently shared, the event was an inspiring reminder that no matter your background, having a strong network is key to success in any field.
Empowering the next generation of electricians was the focus of the Electrical Apprentice Safety Forum, with attendees learning about the Safe Working and Supervision Guide for Apprentices . The forum encouraged apprentices to voice their safety concerns, fostering a proactive and safety-first mindset for the future of the industry. MATES in construction CEO Nick Thomson shared some inspiring tips on looking out for one another and the importance of mentally healthy workplaces.
The electrical industry contractors’ event was instrumental in enhancing understanding of safety practices, including updates on the latest Act review and the significance of upstream isolation. In contrast, the community webinar focused on everyday safety practices reinforcing the importance of living safely around electricity.
A significant highlight of the fortnight was the engagement with Yarrabah Aboriginal Council. This event cantered on community-specific safety concerns, such as the importance of safety switches and education around electrical hazards. Following the meeting, a community BBQ allowed for relationship building and the distribution of educational materials to local schools and aftercare programs. We’re looking forward to future collaborations with the Yarrabah Aboriginal Council to promote electrical safety.
As the fortnight progressed, various forums and webinars reinforced the importance of professional development and regulatory frameworks. The Electrical Inspector’s Community Forum and the ELC Worker and Contractor Forum provided critical discussions on enhancing safety standards, licensing integrity, and best practices, showcasing a shared dedication to fostering a culture of accountability that benefits both the industry and the community.
The final week culminated in an Electricity entities engagement webinar, focusing on Queensland's electrical safety laws and the responsibilities of electricity entities.
As we reflect on the successes of Electrical Safety Fortnight, the momentum gained during this fortnight sets the stage for future initiatives. It is essential that we keep the conversation going, ensuring that electrical safety remains at the forefront of our collective efforts.
Further information
Catch up on the webinars you may have missed: