Qld Electrical Safety Regulation revamp a missed opportunity to tighten relevant risk management measures for utility worker safety
20 August, 2026
Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) is disappointed to note that Queensland’s Office of Industrial Relations has opted not to tighten risks related to utility safety in its latest regulatory review.
BYDA’s submission to the OIR’s draft Electrical Safety Regulation 2026 focused on one practical issue: to ensure that OHS duties applying to work near overhead and underground electric lines were supported by clear, auditable pre-work steps.
“It is very disappointing to note that the OIR did not see fit to implement a few subtle changes that would improve systems and processes around electrical work,” BYDA CEO Mell Greenall said.
“The steps we proposed would not have involved creating a whole new electrical safety regime; rather, they would simply clarify how existing electrical safety duties are discharged in practice, using tools that already exist, are free to use, and are already relied on across industry.
“Work near electricity infrastructure is not limited to licensed electrical work. It commonly occurs in civil construction, roadworks, water and gas works, fencing, vegetation management, solar farm construction, residential and commercial building work among other situations.
“Many of these activities are carried out by persons conducting a business or undertaking and workers who are not electrical specialists, yet who can be exposed to significant risks related to utility infrastructure management. Clear regulatory direction is therefore important.”
For further information, contact:
Simon Mossman
Head of Insight, Research and Advocacy
Before You Dig Australia
0417 064 104
[email protected]
About Before You Dig Australia
BYDA is a not-for-profit, industry-led organisation that operates Australia’s national “before you dig” referral service. Our role is to connect those planning excavation with the asset owners responsible for critical infrastructure to prevent damage, disruption and injury. Read our latest research report here.