News Worker burned by cable
A construction firm has been fined £4,000 after one of its workers suffered a serious electric shock after coming into contact with a 400-volt cable.
Hogarth (Construction) Ltd, of South Cave, found itself in the dock for failing to ensure the safety of one of its workers, Mark Dougherty, who suffered burns to his hands and face after making contact with a live underground cable while working at a construction site in North Ferriby.
At Beverley Magistrates' Court this week Hogarth (Construction) pleaded guilty to charges under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
The charges - which were brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - related to the company's failure to make an adequate assessment of the risks posed to workers by live underground cables, and its failure to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of people working close to the cables.
It was fined a total of £4,000 and ordered to pay £1,616 costs for failing to ensure the safety of Mr Dougherty.
The court was told the company was aware that live underground cables were present on-site, but had not instructed the workforce.
On September 7, 2006, while clearing an area, Mr Dougherty picked up what he thought was a piece of rubbish that was actually a termination box on a live, 400-volt cable.
This had been uncovered during work on the site, and subsequently damaged by construction vehicles so as to expose live wiring.
As he touched the box, Mr Dougherty received a shock that burned his hand and face.
HSE Inspector David Stewart said: "Mr Dougherty was extremely fortunate to receive only superficial burns; this type of incident often has fatal consequences."
Published on 10th July 2008 in News.
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