90-second statement – ETU

House of Representatives – 1:30pm 21 March 2023

Deputy Speaker,

I want to salute a great electrical safety initiative in the NT by the Electrical Trades Union (the ETU) to keep apprentices safe.

It’s called the Lock Out Tag Out kit initiative.

This campaign began after two electrical workers in the NT were fatally electrocuted, one of whom was an apprentice.        

It urges all electrical workers to put safety first by disconnecting the power before they begin work and locking and tagging out the source of supply.

This initiative to supply every NT apprentice with a Lock Out Tag Out kit was first put forward by ETU’s Northern Territory Sub-Branch.

The kits include equipment to safely isolate the electricity supply and identify why it was isolated and who is working on the installation.

This “Survive, don’t work live” campaign sends a clear message to electrical workers, with a focus on educating apprentices of the dangers of electricity.

“Lock Out Tag Out kits” are being supplied to all NT electrical apprentices, sadly funded through enforceable undertakings imposed by NT Worksafe on companies who failed these workers.

Because everyone should return home safely after a day at work.

Thanks Deputy Speaker.