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A delivery driver lost their life while delivering crushed concrete at a construction site.
They were killed after the crane arm of their lorry came into close contact with an overhead powerline, which then created an electrical charge.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the principal contractor ordered the delivery and chose the area where the crushed concrete would be delivered. However, the delivery area was located below an 11kv overhead powerline. The company
was aware of the presence of overhead powerlines but did not consider whether there was an alternative way of working which avoided them, nor did it put in place demarcations or warnings. An alternative delivery route was subsequently used following the incident.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of
the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined £30,000.
HSE Principal Inspector said: “This tragic incident led to the death of a father-of-four. This death might have been prevented if the contractor had correctly identified and managed the risks involved. The dangers associated with overhead power lines are well- known and a wealth of advice and guidance is freely available from HSE and other organisations.”