The mother of a Yallourn power station worker who was killed at work has told a court she's still heartbroken and feels let down by the way his death was handled.
Graeme Edwards, 54, was severely burnt in an electrical short circuit while performing routine maintenance at the plant on November 12, 2018.
He was flown to Melbourne where he died in hospital a day later.
The plant's owner, Energy Australia, today pleaded guilty in the County Court to three charges of failing to provide a safe working environment.
Eight victim impact statements from friends and family members of Mr Edwards were read to the court.
They described Mr Edwards as a beloved son and brother whose unexpected death still affected them every day.
His mother, Elizabeth, told the court she was heartbroken about the death and still unable to cry about it.
Other members of the family expressed their disappointment at how his death had been handled by Energy Australia and the Victorian safety regulator WorkSafe.
WorkSafe originally announced it would not charge the company in relation to the death.
The regulator reversed its decision after a review by the Director of Public Prosecutions requested by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union.
Panel not securely fixed
Mr Edwards was exposed to 6,600 volts while replacing a high-voltage circuit breaker at the plant, the court heard.
A panel that should have protected him was not properly installed, meaning it was able to move or swung and made contact with live parts of the circuit breaker.
It caused a short circuit resulting in the arc flash that burnt him.
Prosecutor Chris Winneke KC said it should have been securely fixed and unable to be moved.
One of the charges related to the company's failure to provide protective equipment for arc flashes, which may have protected him.
Mr Winneke described Mr Edwards as a "meticulous and a perfectionist" who "thought about things before he did them" and followed his training.
He also said Mr Edwards was a respected and well-liked worker whose nature was to help others.
Company apologises
Energy Australia is facing a maximum fine of $1.45 million for each of the three charges.
Andrew Palmer KC, representing the company, apologised to Mr Edwards' family in court.
"[His death] was avoidable and it was preventable and he shouldn't have died and the reason why he died is because of a failing on the part of Energy Australia," Mr Palmer said.
"I also acknowledge that nothing I say can make any difference or bring him back."
Judge John Carmody asked the family to consider if there were any local charities Mr Edwards would like to any potential fine money donated to, instead of going into consolidated revenue.
The matter returns to court in February.
Editor's Note 15/12/2022: The article has been amended after earlier incorrectly stating that the worker was exposed to 66,000 volts. The correct figure is 6,600 volts.
