Finding into death of Gregory Roberts

37y · Male·Complications of electrocution and injuries sustained in a fall

Gregory Roberts, a 37-year-old builder, died from complications of electrocution and injuries sustained in a fall after inadvertently touching a 22,000-volt high-voltage aerial powerline with a metal tape measure while working on scaffolding at a residential construction site. The incident occurred on 25 November 2019 and he died on 30 November 2019. Key clinical lessons include the importance of recognising the severity of high-voltage electrical injuries, which cause both direct tissue damage and cardiac complications. While the scaffold complied with Electricity Safety Regulations, it did not comply with Energy Safe Victoria guidelines regarding the 'No Go Zone' clearance of 4.6m—the measured distance was only 3.3m. The death was preventable through proper electrical hazard management, including obtaining a Permit to Work for the high-voltage line (not issued), ensuring adequate clearance compliance, and implementing engineering controls. Construction workers require better training on electrical hazard awareness and distance requirements around powerlines.