A 34-year-old man has died after a scissor lift made contact with high-voltage overhead power lines at a worksite in Laverton North — Victoria’s 20th confirmed workplace fatality for 2026.
WorkSafe Victoria confirmed the incident occurred at approximately 1:50pm on Monday 1 June 2026. The man, an engineer employed by Clennet Hire, was servicing a scissor lift that had been moved to the stand-down area of the site.
According to WorkSafe Victoria, the man was using the lower controls to cycle the machine through its movements when the lift raised and made contact with the overhead power lines. Paramedics attended and attempted to resuscitate the man, but he was declared dead at the scene.
WorkSafe Victoria is investigating.
Overhead powerlines and elevated work platforms
The death is a stark reminder of the dangers of operating elevated work platforms (EWPs) and mobile plant in areas where overhead powerlines are present. Exclusion zones around overhead powerlines are mandatory under Victorian OHS regulations, and must be established and enforced before any EWP or mobile plant operates in the vicinity.
Critically, the exclusion zone must account for the full range of motion of the equipment — not just its position at rest. A machine serviced at ground level can still reach powerlines if its platform or mast is raised during testing or cycling.
Key controls for EWP work near powerlines
- Identify all overhead powerlines before positioning mobile plant or EWPs on any site
- Establish exclusion zones — a minimum of three metres for lines rated up to 66kV under Victorian law
- Ensure exclusion zones account for the full operating range of the equipment
- Train and authorise all workers who operate EWPs, including those performing maintenance
- Have an emergency plan in place before work begins near powerlines
This is the 20th confirmed workplace fatality in Victoria for 2026.
To report a workplace incident or hazard, contact WorkSafe Victoria on 13 23 60.
