A multi-agency emergency exercise on Powerlink’s high voltage electricity has tested response capabilities in Far North Queensland.
Participants from Powerlink, Powerlink’s construction contractor Downer and Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) conducted the exercise to test critical safety procedures in a real-world environment.
The simulated exercise involved a worker ‘falling’ from a high voltage transmission tower and sustaining injuries in a semi-remote location enabling participants to respond to a complex workplace incident.
Downer Site Manager John Peeters said the exercise was an opportunity to put safety procedures to the test in a safe setting.
“We put a lot of work into developing written protocols like these emergency response plans, so this exercise has been a valuable opportunity to actually test them and identify opportunities for improvement together,” Mr Peeters said.
“In a situation like this, it’s important that we can all work together as a team to ensure the best possible outcome.”
Powerlink spokesperson Rachael Maundrell said the organisation valued the local expertise of QAS and Downer.
“Powerlink values the safety of our people and our contractors as the highest priority,” Ms Maundrell said.
“This exercise was an opportunity for us all to work together to ensure we are providing the safest sites and the best procedures to deal with an injury to anyone working on our network.
“Access to our infrastructure in Far North Queensland can be quite different to what we have further south, with tricky terrain up and down the rainforest and seasonal changes, so it’s important for us to work with our partners to ensure they are comfortable with responding in this environment.
“Powerlink has a number of projects coming up in the region, so now is the perfect time to take a day and focus on the importance of safety throughout the delivery of this work.”
Powerlink’s current and upcoming projects in the region include refitting powerlines between Bayview Heights to Davies Creek, the replacement of the transmission line and substation between Kamerunga to Woree substations and communications cable between Kamerunga and Barron Gorge Hydro Power Station.
