In 2018, Queensland Rail experienced three alarming incidents, including incidents with four teenage males who ignored warning signage and trespassed on our rail network. The teenagers came in close contact with overhead line equipment (OHLE), which carries 25,000 volts, and suffered severe, life-threatening injuries. Our priority is to ensure the safety of customers, employees, and members of the public around our network. While life-endangering incidents are rare, the circumstances that lead to them aren’t, with 164 people charged with trespassing in 2018.
Determined to raise awareness of the dangers of OHLE and to prevent future incidents, Queensland Rail launched the
High Voltage Can Jump campaign targeting males aged between 15 - 24 years in August 2019, during Rail Safety Week. The campaign capitalised on the sneaker culture of this target demographic and communicated that an electric shock, or worse electrocution, could happen without direct contact with OHLE. When someone receives an electric shock, the electricity often travels through their body and exits via their feet, essentially exploding their sneakers. The campaign’s key message was that 25,000 volts of electricity can arc out, not just destroying soles, but friendships, relationships, lives, and families.
Queensland Rail also partnered with popular Brisbane music artist ‘Lisi’. In his music video ‘Hard Yakka’, Lisi raps in front of a mural at Loganlea station featuring the
High Voltage Can Jump artwork. The mural was created by local artist, Jordache Castillejos.