Finding into death of Gary James Cook

53y · Male·Electrocution

Mr Gary Cook, a 53-year-old qualified A-class electrician with extensive high-voltage experience, died from electrocution on 2 January 2009 after collapsing in an elevated work platform (cherry picker) while removing earthing sticks from 22,000-volt cables on 30 December 2008 at Thales, Mulwala NSW. Although he was working on de-energised high-voltage cables, live 415-volt low-voltage cables ran directly below his position. Witness evidence, particularly observations that Mr Cook lost control of the final earthing stick and made an exclamation before collapsing with jaw-clenching, supported a finding of electrocution on balance of probabilities. The coroner noted this work was consistent with relevant industry codes of practice and proper safety protocols. Key clinical lesson: sudden unexplained collapse during high-risk electrical work in proximity to live conductors should raise electrocution suspicion despite absence of typical post-mortem signs. Families' concerns about power being switched on without knowledge and inadequate switching documentation highlight importance of clear communication and documentation in hazardous work environments.