09:46 am, Tuesday 23 December, 2008

A North Queensland father of four has been eletricuted on a cattle station 64km West of Richmond.

Matthew Kersh a 42 year old cattle farmer was attending a christmas party at 7:30 p.m. yesterday evening at aneighbouring property when he attempted to retrieve a kite that was entangled on a power line.

Early investigations have revealed that a metal pole was used to try and free the kite when the electricty jumped from the line onto pole, fatally injuring Mr Kersh.

The Kersh family had been involved in the region’s cattle farming for over thirty years and family members have said, “Matt was a dedicated father and a gun musterer”.

Workplace Health and Safety are investigating and farming communities are encouraged to implement Safe Work Method Statements for working around electricity.

Report by Julia Alder - Do you have an OHS News Story - Let us know