Date of article: 21/06/2007
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Two construction companies have been fined for failing to ensure the safety of one of their workers, Mail Roberts who died after coming into contact with an 11kv overhead power line.
Miall Roberts died after being electrocuted when the concrete pump he was working on came into contact with the overhead power line at a site in Bala.
Permanent Flooring Ltd of Bagillt, Flintshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work (HSW) Act in relation to the death of Mr Roberts and R L Davies and Son Ltd of Llysfaen pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the HSW Act. Both companies were fined up to £31k.
This case highlights the importance of carrying out a proper risk assessments especially where there are overhead power lines close to work activities.
HSE Inspector Chris Wilcox said:
"Overhead power lines can be switched off if the operators are given sufficient notice, but if this is not possible, they should be consulted on safe systems of work."
He goes on to say that electric shock incidents are particularly common among construction workers who come into contact with high voltage electricity. Therefore, "it is imperative that employers ensure their staff and contractors are protected by carrying out a full risk assessment of the site."
The HSE has recorded around 1000 incidents involving electric shock at work and about 30 of these have resulted in fatalities.
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