URGENT UPDATE: Queensland electricity workers are facing an alarming surge in threats and aggressive behavior from customers, with nearly 300 dangerous incidents reported in the past year, according to Energex. This troubling trend not only jeopardizes the safety of frontline crews but also poses significant risks to the communities they serve.
In a shocking revelation, Energex disclosed that its workers experienced 289 threats and attacks across Queensland in the last 12 months, with 138 incidents occurring in South East Queensland alone. The power provider is urgently calling on the public to take action to ensure the safety of these essential workers.
Energex’s metering contracts manager, Sarah Bradford, stated, “The type of abuse and threatening behavior being reported really does pose an additional risk to our crews that we don’t need. There is absolutely no excuse for abuse.” The data reveals a disturbing pattern, with Brisbane recording the highest number of incidents, including 49 dog-related near-misses or bites and 36 threats from aggressive residents.
The Gold Coast and Scenic Rim also reported eight dog-related incidents and several threats from people. These hostile encounters not only affect the workers physically but also take a serious toll on their mental health, impacting their families and overall well-being. “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,” Bradford emphasized.
In some extreme cases, workers have required police escorts to safely access properties. Out of the total incidents, 81 threats originated directly from customers. Energex’s contact center staff are also facing verbal abuse, despite being responsible for managing emergency calls around the clock. Bradford urged the public, “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.”
Animal-related incidents remain a significant concern for Energex crews. In the past year, there were 148 dog-related incidents and 60 involving other animals, posing additional risks while workers perform their critical duties. Bradford called on 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.”
Energex’s policy states that electric fences or simply holding a dog on a lead are not considered adequate restraints. “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,” Bradford warned.
As Queensland braces for severe storms, including Cyclone Alfred, which recently cut power to over 400,000 homes and businesses, crews are on the frontline, working tirelessly to restore power and ensure community safety. Energex introduced a safe entry policy in 2019 to mitigate these risks, and has recently launched an Entry Hazards App to inform crews of potential threats before entering properties.
Bradford expressed gratitude towards the majority of the public who comply with safety measures, stating, “Our people just want to do a good job and get home safely to their friends and family. Your support and small actions to keep our people safe mean a lot, thank you.”
To learn more about safe entry requirements, visit Energex’s website. The time to act is now—help protect those who power our communities.
