HSE prosecutes after workers engulfed in fireball

We missed this one late last year, but it's worth mentioning due to the seriousness of doing a site survey and training workers before assigning them a task.

Birmingham firm RVB Investments UK Ltd and manager Clifford Leigh have been prosecuted by the HSE after two workers were engulfed in a fireball. They had managed to cut through a 1,000 volt electric cable after being told to find a water leak on an empty industrial site. They used an electric drill and at just 40cm down hit the live cable. Both men suffered severe burns to their hands, arms, and faces, but ultimately survived.

The investigation that followed found no risk assessment had been carried out and nothing was known about the site. Neither man was trained for the job they had been asked to carry out.

HSE principal inspector Nic Rigby commented:

"As this case demonstrates, hitting a live electrical cable is a very real danger and can easily result in deaths or serious injuries. Companies must take measures to protect workers who are digging into the ground, where gas and electricity services may be found."

Both RVB and Clifford Leigh pleaded guilty to the health and safety charges brought against them. RVB was fined £10,000 with a further £4,420 payable in costs. Leigh was fined £2,000 and a further £1,000 in costs.

If you are intending to work near underground services why not attend one of our Cat Scanner and Generator courses running on various dates throughout the year. The cost is £70.00 per person plus VAT. Get in touch if you would like to know more.

Source: HSE