Energy company fined following worker electrocution

A national power company has been fined following an incident in which a worker was electrocuted, resulting in an accident at work claim.

UK Power Networks (formerly known as EDF Energy Networks Limited), admitted breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Norwich Crown Court as a result of the November 2007 incident.

Worker Jonathan Crosby, 45, from Dickleburgh, Norfolk, was working as an electrical overhead linesman in a cherry picker at a site in Sawmills Road, Diss, removing an electrical transformer from the top of a pole connected to overhead power lines.

However, as it was being removed, the transformer made contact with live power resulting in Mr Crosby receiving a fatal electrical shock.

In addition to the fine, it was ordered to pay costs of £219,352.09, with Judge Peter Jacobs commenting: "[The company] fell significantly short of the reasonable practicability standards and they must take responsibility for their organisational and operational failures."

Recently, Grupo Antolin Leamington Ltd was fined £5,500 and ordered to pay £2,858 costs by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following an accident claim stemming from incident in which 37-year-old Ajit Kandola lost a finger.

Published by Tessa Jones