Case Studies
Lessons can always be learnt from past events and for this reason we include a selection of case studies. These are all in the public domain having been reported in the media or heard in court.
Two significant items of legislation dealing with electrical safety and safe systems of work are:
- Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
These form the basis of many prosecutions.
Case Study 1 The Importance of Safe Working Practices
A qualified electrician was killed when he came into contact with a live conductor in a cable on which he was working. He was installing cables, fixtures and fittings on a construction site when the incident happened. Despite being labelled 'not in use' the cable he was working on was live; it had not been safely and securely isolated from the electricity supply. The electrician had not been provided with the necessary test equipment to prove the cable was dead, nor the means to securely isolate the circuit.
The Company was found guilty in a Sheriff Court under Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and fined.
After the hearing the HSE stated that 'Managers and Supervisors in this (electrical contracting) industry must take active steps to ensure that their electricians work safely'.
Case Study 2 Robust and Well Supervised Systems of Work are Essential
A groundworks subcontractor suffered an electric shock after coming into contact with a live cable during the replacement of lighting columns in a car park. He was unconscious for a short period and suffered burns and bruising. An investigation by the HSE found that an absence of circuit diagrams had led to confusion over the point of isolation. Although the cable had initially been proved dead, it later became live when a light sensor operated. There was no written Permit to Work system in place.
The Company was found guilty at a Crown Court under Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined.
After the hearing the HSE stated that 'effective identification and isolation of the electrical supply together with clear instruction and supervision from the very beginning and throughout such work are essential in preventing such incidents occurring'
Case Study 3 The Need for Regular Maintenance
While connecting a portable welder to an extension cable, a worker suffered an electric shock and burns to his fingers requiring a visit to hospital and time off work. Other employees had reported minor shocks from the equipment over the years. An HSE investigation revealed that much of the electrical installation was in a very poor state of repair putting workers at risk of serious injury from its use. Much of the electrical equipment had been installed around 50 years ago and there was no record of it ever being maintained or tested.
The Company pleaded guilty in a Magistrates' Court to breaching Regulation 4 (2) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and was fined.
After the hearing the HSE stated 'This prosecution illustrates how important it is for factory owners to regularly inspect their electrical equipment. They were very lucky that this particular incident wasn't any more serious'.