Two workers get 11,000-volt shock
October 16, 2009
Outdoor workers are being urged to take extra care near overhead electricity lines after two men suffered 11,000-volt electric shocks and burns.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued the warning following the successful prosecution of Huntapac Produce Ltd in relation to an incident at Marsh Farm in Hesketh Bank near Preston.
Huntapac, which grows, packs and distributes root vegetables, was charged with two health and safety offences. It was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,881 at Ormskirk Magistrates Court on 15 October 2009.
The court heard that two employees were lifting a metal ladder into a water pump shaft on 12 December 2007 when it made contact with the 11,000 volt overhead power lines. One of the men fell unconscious and suffered electrical burns to a hand and both his feet. The other man’s feet were also badly burned.
Huntapac, which is based in Tarleton, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(3) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 by allowing its employees to carry out work in a potentially dangerous manner.
The company also pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 by failing to assess the health and safety risks sufficiently.
Around 1,000 people are injured every year from electric shocks while at work in the UK, and about 25 people die from their injuries. Carrying out unsafe work near overhead power cables is one of the main causes of deaths and injuries.
Find out more about Electrical Safety
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued the warning following the successful prosecution of Huntapac Produce Ltd in relation to an incident at Marsh Farm in Hesketh Bank near Preston.
Huntapac, which grows, packs and distributes root vegetables, was charged with two health and safety offences. It was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,881 at Ormskirk Magistrates Court on 15 October 2009.
The court heard that two employees were lifting a metal ladder into a water pump shaft on 12 December 2007 when it made contact with the 11,000 volt overhead power lines. One of the men fell unconscious and suffered electrical burns to a hand and both his feet. The other man’s feet were also badly burned.
Huntapac, which is based in Tarleton, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(3) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 by allowing its employees to carry out work in a potentially dangerous manner.
The company also pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 by failing to assess the health and safety risks sufficiently.
Around 1,000 people are injured every year from electric shocks while at work in the UK, and about 25 people die from their injuries. Carrying out unsafe work near overhead power cables is one of the main causes of deaths and injuries.
Find out more about Electrical Safety
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