The Communications, Electrical Plumbing Union (CEPU) in South Australia has shut down the construction of a major transmission line project due to appalling health and safety, with workers forced to share personal protective equipment while working 40 metres from the ground. Multi-national construction contractor Downer have been contracted to build a transmission line for ElectraNet SA, a foreign-owned South Australian transmission company. The $300-million 270km Eyre link project will see a transmission line run from Cultana to Port Lincoln, via Yadnarie. As well as forcing workers to share PPE there are limited first aid capabilities or communications, meaning a safety incident could leave workers with little means of seeking emergency services assistance. A recent COVID outbreak led to the closure of one of the workers' camps, but despite this, access to hand-washing facilities on worksites is rare, and accommodation is filled with dirt and dust. The constant presence of dirt and dust on site and in the camps also means increased exposure to silicosis, an incurable lung disease, due to the presence of respirable crystalline silica. Downer has recently been involved in a major wage theft scandal at the same location, underpaying 40 workers on temporary visas by over $800K. "If Downer can't provide proper safety standards and ensure workers are paid the proper wages, can they be trusted to properly build a power line?" said CEPU SA State Secretary, John Adley. "The CEPU is calling on ElectraNet SA and the South Australian Government to investigate and ensure that workers aren't being treated like they're disposable.
"The current NEM energy crisis illustrates how crucial electricity infrastructure is to households and businesses. The vitally important job of rewiring the nation needs to be done efficiently and safely to deliver infrastructure that we can rely on.
"Downer needs to stop undermining the safety of its workers on this important infrastructure project and treat its workers with the respect they deserve," he said
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