Construction firms reminded to assess risk from electricity after North Wales HSE prosecution - 18 June 2007

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned construction companies of the tragic consequences that can result in the failure to carry out proper risk assessments especially where there are overhead power lines close to work activities.

The warning follows the electrocution of 19-year-old Miall Roberts who died in May 2004 after the concrete pump he was working on came into contact with an 11kV overhead power line at a site in Bala. Another worker on the site, Darren Gittins received an electric shock but was uninjured.

Permanent Flooring Ltd of Bagillt, Flintshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act) for failing to ensure Mr Roberts’ safety and to a charge under Section 2(1) of the HSW Act for putting Mr Gittins at risk. They were fined £6,000 and ordered to pay a contribution towards costs of £12,000.

R.L. Davies and Son Ltd of Llysfaen, Conwy pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the HSW Act in relation to the death of Mr Roberts and were fined £25,000. They were also ordered to pay costs of £15,814.54.

Both companies were operating at the site in Bala Industrial Park when the incident happened.

HSE Inspector Chris Wilcox said: "Each year there are around 1000 incidents involving electric shock at work, and about 30 of these have resulted in fatalities.

"In Wales alone, there have been several cases whereby construction workers and others have been severely injured or killed after coming into contact with high voltage electricity, so it is imperative that employers ensure their staff and contractors are protected by carrying out a full risk assessment of the site before work starts.

"Household voltages are enough to kill, but in this case the voltage involved was nearly 50 times greater. Overhead power lines can be switched off if the operators are given sufficient notice, but if this isn't possible, they should be consulted on safe systems of work."

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