Two companies have been fined after one man was killed and another seriously injured in an incident involving a cherry picker.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) took Willand O&M and New Wave Marine Ltd to court following the death of Carl Parsons, who was 34.
HSE investigation
During the incident in Devon in June 2020, a cherry picker collided with a 11,000-volt overhead powerline.
Another man, Luke Madavan, suffered life-changing injuries.
Both companies attended Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday, March 3.
The court heard that New Wave Marine had been contracted by Willand O&M to lift the lid of a biodigester and stir a crust blockage that had accumulated inside the tank.
During this work, a cherry picker operated by New Wave Marine struck an overhead powerline.
Failures in risk assessment and site safety
The electrical current passed through the metal basket, fatally electrocuting Carl Parsons and causing a serious electric shock to Luke Madavan.
An HSE investigation found that Willand O&M had been advised by their principal contractor and Western Power Distribution to relocate the overhead powerline.
However, Willand O&M failed to act on this advice and put no adequate control measures in place, such as height restrictors on cherry pickers or restricted work areas.
Supervision, monitoring and site induction were also found to be poor.
Companies fined after avoidable electrocution incident
New Wave Marine’s risk assessment was found to be neither suitable nor sufficient.
The company also lacked formal training provision and adequate supervision for the work being carried out.
Nicole Buchanan, HSE Inspector, said: “Working underneath overhead powerlines is inherently unsafe and these risks should be eliminated wherever possible.
“There is a risk that workers operating equipment could either make direct contact with the electrical source or be exposed to electricity arcing over several metres and travelling through the basket.
“The electricity network will provide guidance and assist in moving lines or burying them underground to prevent incidents. Companies should always seek competent health and safety advice and ensure their staff are adequately trained.
“The death of Mr Carl Parsons and the injuries to Mr Madavan were entirely avoidable and I hope that this case will serve as a lesson to others who try to avoid costs by working near overhead powerlines.
“I express my deepest sympathy to those who witnessed the incident, to Carl’s family, his wife, and especially to his three children, and to Mr Madavan; and I thank them for their cooperation throughout the investigation.”
