In a safety alert released last month, the state’s mine safety operations branch said the man’s right hand and forearm were injured when he tried to remove a fuse from a live 11,000 volt terminal using a through-tang screwdriver.

A group of three electricians were hunting for the source of low insulation readings at the undisclosed mine’s high voltage distribution network.

“This required gaining access to a purpose-designed test compartment within the section isolator,” the branch said.

“After gaining access, the electrician removed a cover from a control transformer that was not included in the isolation so was still energised.”

The electrician subsequently received a shock after he removed the cover and attempted to remove the fuse.

The electrician was admitted to hospital and released.