Electrical Company Fined £240,000 After Worker Paralyzed in Devastating Fall


Electrical transmission worker in safety gear on a pylon, representing workplace safety and risk assessment
A man is paralyzed after falling from an electricity pylon.
In a heartbreaking incident that highlights the critical importance of workplace safety, a Cheshire-based electrical transmission company has been fined £240,000 after an employee was left paralysed from the chest down following a fall at work. This tragic event underscores the necessity for stringent safety measures and thorough risk assessments in high-risk occupations.

The Incident

Gavin Pugh, a 35-year-old linesman from Bangor in North Wales, was employed by Wood Transmission and Distribution Limited. On April 6, 2022, while engaged in the demolition and replacement of electricity pylons in the East Staffordshire region, the individual experienced a fall exceeding 30 feet, leading to severe and life-altering injuries. This incident occurred on Tower AE11, which was being prepared for demolition.

The Preceding Events

On the day of the incident, Mr. Pugh and his team were unaware that previous work had been done on the tower. Another team of linesmen had loosened the bolts on the tower, a process known as “bolt cracking,” but this critical information was neither risk-assessed nor communicated effectively. Consequently, Mr. Pugh's team worked under dangerous conditions, unknowingly compromising their safety.

The Fall

During the job, the team was also understaffed, exacerbating the risk. Mr. Pugh attached his fall protection lanyard to a diagonal steel section that was only securely bolted at its uppermost point. As he shifted his position, the steel section fell into a vertical alignment, which caused his lanyard to loosen and led to his fall. Mr Pugh spent six months in the hospital and is now unable to work due to his extensive injuries.

Investigation Findings

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed multiple failures by Wood Transmission and Distribution Limited. The company failed to ensure that the work at height was properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out safely. They did not consider the work at height hierarchy in their planning and neglected to assess the risks associated with bolt cracking. Additionally, they inadequately resourced the task and failed to implement a process for transferring work between teams, ensuring that safety-critical information was recorded and communicated.

Legal Consequences

On April 12, 2024, Wood Transmission and Distribution Limited, a company headquartered at Booths Park, Chelford Road in Knutsford, admitted to violating regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 in Birmingham Magistrates Court.

HSE Statement

HSE Inspector Robert Gidman commented on the incident, emphasizing that it could have been prevented with adequate safety measures. He commented, “This regrettable incident might have been prevented if Wood Transmission and Distribution Limited had taken adequate steps to ensure the safety of its employees. A thorough evaluation of risks, thoughtful consideration of work methods, appropriate staffing levels, and clear protocols for transferring towers between teams could have allowed this task to proceed without incident. Instead, due to the company's failures, a worker has tragically and unnecessarily been left paralyzed. Companies should recognize that the HSE will not hesitate to take necessary enforcement actions against those who do not meet the required standards.”

Importance of Safety in High-Risk Jobs

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of workplace safety, particularly in high-risk jobs like electrical transmission work. Ensuring that all safety protocols are followed, risks are assessed, and critical information is communicated can prevent such devastating accidents.

The Role of Employers

Employers have a duty of care to their employees, which involves not only providing the necessary training and equipment but also ensuring that all work is planned and executed safely. This includes adequate staffing and thorough risk assessments for every task.

The Need for Effective Communication

Effective communication is crucial in high-risk environments. All teams involved in a project must be fully informed about any changes or risks associated with their work. This ensures that everyone is aware of potential hazards and can take appropriate measures to avoid accidents.

The Consequences of Negligence

The consequences of negligence in high-risk jobs can be severe, as demonstrated by Mr. Pugh’s case. Employers who fail to uphold safety standards not only risk the lives and well-being of their employees but also face significant legal and financial repercussions.

Lessons Learned

The case of Wood Transmission and Distribution Limited should serve as a lesson to all companies in high-risk industries. Comprehensive safety measures, thorough risk assessments, adequate staffing, and effective communication are non-negotiable aspects of workplace safety.

Conclusion

The tragic incident involving Gavin Pugh highlights the dire consequences of inadequate workplace safety measures. Wood Transmission and Distribution Limited’s failure to ensure proper planning, supervision, and communication resulted in a life-altering injury for one of its employees and a substantial financial penalty for the company. This case underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and the employer’s responsibility to protect their workers from harm. Ensuring comprehensive risk assessments, adequate staffing, and effective communication are essential steps in preventing such tragedies in the future.

Location: United Kingdom

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