A 33-year-old woman with significant history of mental health issues, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and prior suicide attempts died by hanging while highly intoxicated (BAC 0.183g/100mL). She used a length of telecommunications rope left attached to a utility pole at low height (1.00-1.30m) during NBN construction works. The coroner found the accessible rope provided means for suicide. While her psychiatric vulnerability created high suicide risk, the presence of readily-available rope at accessible height was a contributing environmental factor. The coroner recommended NBN review practices of leaving ropes on utility poles and implement protective measures, as such arrangements foreseeably pose safety hazards to the public.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
significant history of mental health issues including depression and anxiety
suicidal ideation and prior suicide attempts
alcohol intoxication (BAC 0.183g/100mL)
accessible length of rope attached to utility pole at low height (1.00-1.30m)
recent interpersonal conflict with boyfriend
uncontrolled environmental hazard
Coroner's recommendations
NBN and/or its relevant contractors undertake a review of the practice of leaving lengths of rope on utility poles during works, including assessment of risks to health and safety of members of the public and whether changes to the practice are reasonably warranted or practicable
Following the review, NBN and/or its relevant contractors implement any appropriate measures to protect the health and safety of members of the public
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