Defective electrical work sparks prosecution against building company and director

A Queensland building company and its director were fined $80,000 and $12,000 respectively for systemically failing to ensure that electrical work was carried out safely, exposing occupants across four residential properties to a risk of death or serious injury. The company’s director was also sentenced for undertaking electrical work without an electrical work licence.

The director repeatedly performed electrical work, without a licence, across the four residential properties over an extended period. The offence was aggravated by the fact that he knew he was not qualified to do the work, but chose to do the work himself for financial reasons. The work was defective, including exposed live parts, inadequate insulation, unsafe installations in wet areas and unsealed switchboards, all of which created risks of electric shock and fire.

The Court considered a fine of $80,000 for the company represented the seriousness of the offence, taking into account the financial strain that led to the unsafe decision of the director. A personal fine of $12,000 for the director was also considered appropriate.

This case is a good reminder of how important it is to ensure electrical work is undertaken by qualified professionals in a safe manner. Consult the Health & Safety Handbook chapter Electrical safety for advice.

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