Jayden was an 18-year-old work experience student when he lost his life at work. His family and friends shared their experiences to raise awareness about workplace safety.
Jayden's story
Jayden’s story highlights the importance of effective safety systems, risk assessments, communication, and supervision in the workplace. His death was preventable.
The department would like to thank Jayden’s family and friends for allowing Jayden’s story to be told and for sharing their experience as a reminder of why safety should be embedded in workplace culture and practice and to encourage young workers to speak up if they find themselves working in unsafe conditions.
Content warning:
The video below contains discussions about a workplace fatality and explores the emotional impact on the family, friends, and community left behind. It includes themes of grief, trauma, and loss that may be distressing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
If you or someone you know is affected by the content, please consider reaching out to your workplace mental health first aid officer, employee assistance program , support service or mental health professional.
Summary of incident
On 8 February 2013, Jayden, an 18-year-old trades assistant who was not licensed to perform electrical work was fatally electrocuted while working in the roof space.
The circuit which hadn’t been properly tested with a multimeter was still live when he came into contact with the exposed conductor and a copper gas pipe.
Read the full prosecution summary.
The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 were updated on 14 May 2018 following this incident. The updated regulations mandated that a tradesperson must turn off the main electrical switch before entering roof spaces. The power must not be turned on again until the worker has completed their work and exited the roof space.
Your rights and responsibilities as a young worker
As a young worker, you have the right to a healthy and safe workplace. Your employer, also known as a person conducting a business or undertaking, must provide you with the necessary training and tools to ensure your safety. As a worker, you have the right to speak up about your work conditions. You also have the right to refuse to perform any unsafe work.
Learn more about your rights and how to stay safe at work.
Resources and guidance
- Managing electrical risks in the workplace: Code of practice
- SmartMove – a comprehensive workplace health and safety educational resource for senior high school students and new and young workers entering the workforce for the first time or on a work placement, work experience, or as a school-based trainee/apprentice.