ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Non-US Electrical Systems & Trades This sounds rather suspicious (NZ)

Safety warnings to people carrying out do-it-yourself jobs or home renovation work have been renewed after an Auckland builder's death.

The 42-year-old died working under his Avondale home yesterday morning. Investigators say they are still trying to piece together what happened.

The ACC says it will again run its Safety New Zealand Week later this year, focusing on injuries caused in the home, as many people did not appreciate the extent of the risks.

The dead man had gone under his house to investigate electrical problems, One News reported.

Acting Inspector Danny Meade said the man, who had been carrying out renovation work in recent days, was under the Chalmers St house at 10.15am.

"His girlfriend heard a bang and a shout, and then nothing at all."

Labour Department investigators have been called in by police to see if there were any problems with the wiring at the house, and to help determine what led to the man's death.

"Whether he suffered a heart attack or that he was electrocuted – we're assisting the Department of Labour with that."

Senior Sergeant Shane Mulcahy advised anyone tackling DIY projects not to stray too far outside their areas of expertise. "If it needs to be done by a tradesman or a professional person, get them to do it rather than try it yourself."