Cable strikes can have very serious consequences for a business and operatives carrying out the works.
Operatives can sustain very serious life changing injury or fatality.
Management seen not to have adequate controls in place face custodial prison sentences or massive fines.
On 22nd December 2021 the HSE issued its court findings on a cable strike which took place in Twyford near Reading, Berkshire.
An operative struck a 415v cable whilst carrying out excavation works to install a post that carried out automatic number plate recognition.
The ground worker received an electric shock that caused burns to one hand and to his opposite arm.
The Company Director of the ground work Company based in Southampton was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment suspended for 24 months and had to carry out 150 hours community service. The HSE was awarded costs of £7,200.
The Southampton based Principal Contractor pleaded guilty to breaching 13 (1) Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and were fined £400,000.00 and ordered to pay costs of £5,300.00.
Excavation work must only be carried out by trained and competent persons having first carried out a risk and method statement.
Click to read our risk assessment below to learn more.