A National Grid worker suffered severe burns from a 33-thousand-volt electric shock while replacing step bolts on a pylon at Treforest Industrial Estate in Pontypridd in December 2020. The pylon worker sustained burns to 40% of his body and underwent six operations within the first 10 days in hospital. As a result of the injuries, he has been left with lasting physical and mental challenges.
An investigation carried out by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that both National Grid Electricity Distribution (South Wales) Plc and 4 Power Ltd failed to implement adequate safety measures. Details from the HSE press release showed that:
- 4 Power Ltd failed to properly plan and assess the risk, which, if carried out correctly, would have identified that the arms of pylon were too short to do the work safely, while maintaining the specified safety distances as per industry standard.
- National Grid Electricity Distribution (South Wales) Plc failed to ensure that the electricity was off in order to do this work safely on the pylon.
- 4 Power Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and have been fined £80,000 and ordered to pay costs of £14,123.
- National Grid Electricity Distribution (South Wales) Plc pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and have been fined £3.2million and ordered to pay costs of £20,460.
HSE Inspector Rhys Hughes said: “The injuries sustained by Mr Hollins have been truly life-changing. He is lucky to be alive.”
“Those in control of work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information and instruction to workers.”
He added, “HSE provides advice and guidance to employers and workers unsure of what their duties are or how to comply for free on hse.gov.uk.”
Source: Read the full press release here: https://press.hse.gov.uk/2024/09/05/national-grid-fined-3-2million-after-pylon-worker-suffers-serious-burns/
Latest HSE Enforcement Cases
In other HSE enforcement cases, a North London food manufacturer was fined £150,000 for failing to prevent access to dangerous machinery parts.
The failings came to light following a routine inspection by Britain’s workplace regulator – the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in October 2023. You can read more about the case here:
Routine HSE inspection results in £150,000 fine for food manufacturer.
An Essex-based tyre refurbishment company has also been fined £54,000 following a worker sustaining significant injuries after being drawn into a machine. HSE prosecuted D&D Commercial Services under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 for its failure to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its employees. The company did not enter a plea. You can read about the case here:
Tyre firm fined after worker dragged into machine.
Who Are The HSE?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. Their primary focus is on protecting people and places and promoting safer and healthier lives for everyone. In addition to safeguarding workers, they also aim to provide public assurance and ensure that people feel safe in their homes, workplaces, and surroundings.
Accidents at Work Solicitors Lincolnshire
There are a variety of circumstances in which an accident may occur in the workplace. At Bridge McFarland LLP, our team of experienced personal injury lawyers have encountered a range of matters in their decades of experience. No matter the nature of your accident at work, you will want to receive the compensation you deserve. Only with proper legal advice and guidance will you have the opportunity to be fully compensated and, as far as possible, be back into the position that you were in before the accident occurred.
In addition to our excellent accidents at work service, Bridge McFarland LLP can assist with head and brain injuries, agricultural accidents, shipping and dockyard accidents, fatal accidents at work, and falls from a height claims.
Speak to Bridge McFarland LLP’s team of solicitors for your claim associated with your accident at work today on 0800 987 8800.
