Deceased
Maurice Henry Bauer
Demographics
50y, male
Date of death
2006-03-01
Finding date
2009-03-05
Cause of death
electrocution
AI-generated summary
Maurice Bauer, aged 50, died from electrocution while working on electrical switchboard relocation at a residential construction site in Queensland. The employer, Mr Forsyth, made a deliberate decision to work 'live' (with power supply active) without disconnecting the mains supply at the electricity pole—a straightforward task achievable using a fuse extraction stick or ladder. No risk assessment was performed, workers were not warned of live working conditions, and exposed conductors were inadequately insulated with standard tape. Sharp conductor ends pierced the tape, causing arcing that energised the entire metal structure of the house to approximately 240 volts. Mr Bauer received a lethal shock (approximately 200 volts, 12.5 amps) while working beneath the house. The coroner identified multiple preventable failures: failure to disconnect power before work commenced (the primary cause), substandard conductor taping practices, inadequate training in proper insulation techniques, and absence of a formal risk assessment. Had the mains supply been isolated as standard practice requires, this death would not have occurred. The case highlights the critical importance of adhering to established electrical safety protocols, proper training in live work prohibitions, and the use of appropriate materials and techniques.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Specialties
Error types
Clinical conditions
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