The Case

WHS Queensland v Cool Time Industries Pty Ltd (2024)

In August 2020, a worker for Cool Time Industries attended a workplace to install two new air-conditioning units. When the worker arrived at the site, it became apparent that the job would require electrical work, as the isolators on the air-conditioning units needed to be relocated. While the worker held the relevant licence for installing and servicing air-conditioning units, the worker’s licence to disconnect and reconnect electrical equipment had expired in September 2017. This fact was known to Cool Time Industries.

Despite not holding the relevant licence, the worker returned to the site in September and proceeded to carry out the electrical work required to install the two air-conditioning units. He was electrocuted while completing the installation job.