Scissor Lift Service Engineer Dies After Contact with Power Lines in Laverton North
30 Second Takeaway
A 34-year-old service engineer died on June 1 after a scissor lift he was servicing contacted high-voltage overhead power lines at a tunnel project site in Laverton North, Melbourne. The lift had been moved to the site’s stand-down area, where the engineer used the lower controls to cycle the machine. WorkSafe Victoria said the platform contacted the wires and electricity flowed to earth. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the man, who was declared dead at the scene. WorkSafe is investigating.
Incident Overview
Laverton North, Melbourne, Australia
The incident occurred at a worksite for a tunnel project. A scissor lift from the Clennett Hire fleet had been moved to a stand-down area, where a service engineer was working on it.
According to WorkSafe Victoria, the 34-year-old was using the lift’s lower controls to cycle the machine when its platform contacted overhead power lines. The resulting electrical current flowed to earth. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the engineer, but he died at the scene.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
A service engineer was working on a scissor lift at a tunnel project site in Laverton North.
The lift had been moved to the site’s stand-down area.
The 34-year-old was using the lower controls to cycle the machine.
The lift’s platform contacted high-voltage overhead power lines.
Electricity flowed to earth.
Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the engineer.
He was declared dead at the scene.
WorkSafe Victoria is investigating.
What Is Known
Equipment involved: Scissor lift from the Clennett Hire fleet
Incident type: Fatal electrical contact during servicing
Location: Tunnel project site in Laverton North, Melbourne
Work activity: Servicing and cycling the lift using its lower controls
Hazard: High-voltage overhead power lines
Fatality: One service engineer, aged 34
Investigation status: WorkSafe Victoria investigation underway
Early Observations
WorkSafe Victoria’s initial account says the engineer was cycling the lift from the lower controls when the platform contacted the overhead lines. The lift had been moved to a stand-down area for servicing, but the available information does not establish whether overhead hazards were identified or what controls were in place around the machine.
The make and model of the scissor lift have not been identified. The circumstances remain under investigation.
Why This Incident Was Possible
Scissor lifts can contact overhead electrical hazards while being raised, lowered or cycled during maintenance. The platform and other parts of the machine can enter the danger zone even when the lift is being operated from ground controls.
A stand-down or service area may still contain overhead hazards. Equipment should be positioned and operated only after the work area has been checked for power lines and other obstructions.
Industry Reminder
Before servicing or cycling an elevating work platform, identify overhead power lines and establish a safe work area. Where work near live lines cannot be avoided, follow the applicable electrical safety procedures and coordinate with the network operator.
Treat overhead lines as energized unless the utility confirms they have been isolated and made safe. Keep other workers clear of the machine during any testing or movement.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane, access-equipment and lifting-related incidents to support industry awareness and learning.
This article is based on information available at the time of publication. WorkSafe Victoria’s investigation is ongoing.
How Scissor Lift Electrical Incidents Can Be Prevented
Check the service area before moving or cycling equipment
Identify overhead lines and other hazards before positioning, raising or lowering a lift.
Use a designated maintenance area
Carry out servicing and testing in a location with suitable overhead clearance and ground conditions.
Isolate electrical hazards where required
Coordinate with the utility to de-energize lines when safe clearance cannot be maintained.
Control access during testing
Keep workers clear of the lift’s movement area and assign clear responsibilities during any machine cycling.
Follow manufacturer and site procedures
Use the prescribed service and operating steps, and ensure technicians are trained for the task.
