Work-related accident news
24/11/2010

Hidden cables led to burns claim

A work-related accident which resulted in a construction worker suffering serious burns on his chest and face has led to his employers being fined £13,000 for disregarding health and safety regulations for the building industry.

Walsall magistrates, who also ordered Pacestone Construction Ltd, of Solihull, to pay £3,870 costs, were told the employee was using a pneumatic drill to dig a trench at a housing development when he struck an 11kv power cable under the pavement in August 2009.

After the case, a Health and Safety Executive inspector said the industrial accident should have been prevented by the company which had not taken any steps to alert its workers to the risks posed by underground cables or make the worker aware of their location.

An air ambulance had to take the man for emergency treatment at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham. It is not know if he will be pursuing a compensation case for personal injury against his employer now that its liability has been proved.