A company has been fined after a worker suffered a fatal electrocution at work whilst operating a lorry mounted crane. The worker was fatally electrocuted when the crane he was operating struck an overhead powerline whilst he was unloading materials in a field at Cowbridge, South Glamorgan.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the employer had not done a risk assessment in the field where the incident happened. There were also no control measures in place to prevent contact with the overhead powerlines.
The company paid a fine of £160,000 and costs of £45,000.
Speaking after the hearing, a HSE inspector said: “This death was easily preventable, and the risk should have been identified. Employers should make sure they properly assess and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk from striking overhead powerlines. This death would have been preventable had an effective system for managing unloading materials been in place.”
Electrocution at Work
Electric shock accidents can occur when somebody comes into contact with an electrical current. This electrical energy flows through the body, causing a shock, which can result in burns, nerve damage, or even death. Some victims of electric shock have permanent scarring and limited mobility.
Electric shocks can also contribute to secondary injuries such as lacerations, fractures, and dislocations. This is because electric shocks can generate such a large amount of force that they can throw a victim off the ground.
Types of Electrocution at Work
There are a variety of different reasons that electrocution at work can occur, with some of the most common claims including:
- Faulty wiring in a building or an office
- Failure to provide adequate training or equipment when working with electrics
- Not undertaking maintenance of electrical equipment
- Instructing employees without the necessary training or qualifications to carry out electrical work
- Faulty electrical products
In the case of the worker who suffered an electrocution at work, there was nothing to avoid contact with the powerlines, which is why the court found the employer responsible for the accident.
Fatal Electrocution at Work Claims
Following a fatal injury, dependents of the deceased can make a fatal accident compensation claim. Dependents are:
- Spouses
- Partners (must have cohabited for at least 2 years before the accident)
- Civil Partners
- Parents (including step-parents and adoptive parents)
- Children (including step-children)
- Siblings
- Grandparents
Those who represent the deceased’s estate can also make fatal accident claims.
When a loved one has a fatal accident at work, claiming compensation may be the last thing on your mind. However, the solicitors we work with can help to ease any financial burdens that these accidents may cause.
How We Can Help
Here at The Compensation Experts we work with solicitors who have years of experience dealing with personal injury claims. This includes electrocution at work claims. So contact us today by filling in our contact form. Or call us on 01614138765 to speak to one of our friendly knowledgeable agents.