Some are concerned that major electrical blackouts might occur as a result of the crippled workplace, while others are seriously worried about the possible loss of life as a result of the stress.

Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union state organiser Todd Lambert said a meeting would be called with the company to discuss how best to move forward from the crisis.

TasNetworks was asked whether it would meet with its staff and unions to hear about the issues and begin to resolve them but did not respond to the question.

A spokeswoman said it was strongly committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of its staff.

‘‘We have in place a number of mechanisms including our Zero Harm Policy and our Employee Assistance Program to support team members. 

‘‘Employee assistance is provided through a confidential counselling service that is available to assist employees and their family with work and personal issues,’’ she said.

Mr Lambert said employees were being micro-managed.

‘‘The company have strict policies and procedures in terms of safety, which is correct, but if the workers are out in a storm situation and haven’t ticked a sheet or haven’t tied down a ladder properly, these incidents are being used against the employees as threats against their jobs,’’ Mr Lambert said.

‘‘They are made to feel like criminals because they didn’t tick a box. They should be managed or spoken to, but not stood down to straight away face a formal investigation.’’

A letter written by an employee’s partner outlined serious workplace problems for workers, including those who attend to electrical blackouts in all weather, 24 hours a day. These include:

■very low morale;

■working through meal breaks;

■management discipline for incidents that are beyond workers’ control;

■late payments of overtime; and

■abuse from the public.

This was followed by a flux of letters from other staff highlighting the point that management had ‘‘no care for the mental health of their employees and families’’.