Worker killed by overhead power line strike

Luton Crown Court heard how, on 16 September 2016, Darren Waterman, a driver employed by Just Grab Services to unload material at Fillets Farm, Hunsdon, Hertforshire, was using the grab arm when it came into contact with an 11kv overhead power line (OHPL) and he was killed. The site was managed by Options Energy Resource LLP.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Options Energy Resource LLP had identified the risk from OHPL’s in risk assessments but had failed to implement them and adequately plan construction work and to train its employees.

Options Energy Resource LLP of Hanbury Drive, Leystonstone, London pleaded guilty to breaching section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974 and was fined £400,000.00 and ordered to pay costs of £17,242.33.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Samantha Wells said, “This was a tragic and wholly avoidable incident, caused by the failure of Options Energy Resource LLP to implement safe systems of work and to ensure that health and safety documentation was communicated and followed.

“Every year in the UK, two people are killed and many more are injured when machinery comes into contact with, or close proximity to, overhead power lines”.