UPDATE: Queensland electricity workers are facing an alarming rise in threats, with nearly 300 aggressive incidents reported in the past year, according to Energex. The power provider is urgently calling on the public to ensure the safety of its crews, who are regularly confronted by aggressive homeowners and unsecured pets.
Energex disclosed that its frontline crews and contractors encountered 289 threats and dangerous incidents across Queensland, including 138 in South East Queensland alone. The situation is dire, with Brisbane recording the highest number of incidents, comprising 49 dog-related near-misses or bites, 36 threats from people, and 19 involving other animals.
Energex metering contracts manager Sarah Bradford emphasized that the greatest risk her teams face is not from high-voltage electricity but from hostile behaviors. “The type of abuse and threatening behaviour being reported really does pose an additional risk to our crews that we don’t need. There is absolutely no excuse for abuse,” Ms. Bradford stated.
The Gold Coast and Scenic Rim regions also reported concerning figures, with eight dog-related incidents, seven threats from individuals, and five involving livestock or wildlife. The psychological toll on workers is significant, affecting their mental health and family lives. “They take that home with them. It affects their night, it comes into their families and then does have the potential to affect their return to work,” Ms. Bradford explained.
In some extreme cases, workers have required police escorts to safely access properties. Out of the total threats reported, 81 were directly from customers, while contact center staff endured verbal abuse and threats on emergency calls. “Our 24/7 Faults Team is taking calls about life-threatening emergencies at all hours, and they deserve to be treated with the same respect and courtesy they give to customers,” Ms. Bradford added.
Animal-related incidents remain a critical hazard. In the last year, Energex crews reported 148 dog-related incidents and 60 involving other animals, leading to bites and injuries. Ms. Bradford urged pet owners to secure their animals before workers arrive. “Any dog can pose a risk, regardless of size or temperament. We want to keep your animals safe as well as our people safe,” she said.
She further clarified that under Energex policy, electric fences or simply holding a dog on a lead do not constitute adequate restraint. “Your dogs need to be behind a locked or closed fence or gate or door. If we cannot confirm safe access to your meter or equipment, we will not risk entering your premises,” she warned.
Severe storms, including Cyclone Alfred, which disrupted power for over 400,000 homes and businesses, have placed additional pressure on workers as they strive to restore electricity and ensure community safety. To combat these threats, Energex implemented its safe entry policy in 2019, which has already shown a positive impact.
Recently, the company launched an Entry Hazards App designed to alert crews to risks, such as dangerous dogs and hostile occupants, before they arrive at properties. “We’re sincerely grateful to the majority of people who are doing the right thing, and we hope we can get through to the minority who aren’t,” Ms. Bradford concluded. “Our people just want to do a good job and get home safely to their friends and family.”
Energex encourages the public to review its safety guidelines to help keep workers secure. For more information on safe entry requirements, visit Energex’s official website.
