A civilian employee working at Bridgend Police Station, Brackla Street received an electric shock whilst installing computer data cables which resulted in the organisation getting fined. On the 16th of October 2015, the 48-year-old man sustained damage to his heart muscles after he came into contact with the exposed end of a live 3-core electrical cable that had been left in a ceiling void.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out an investigation that found ‘the Force had failed to ensure the electrical system was safe and that the ceiling void was a safe place of work’.
Consequently, the South Wales Police Headquarters in Bridgend was found guilty of breaching Section 2 (2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. They were fined £64,000 and ordered to pay an additional £29,449.14 in costs.
Neil Craig, the head of operations at HSE said after the hearing: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.
“Police forces have the same duties under health and safety legislation as any other employer. It was appropriate for HSE to bring this matter before the courts given the avoidable, life-changing injuries suffered by their employee.”
Work related injuries and accidents happen every week in the UK and Wolf Law personal injury solicitors in Liverpool are here to help. If you’ve been affected by an injury or accident at work that wasn’t your fault and think you’re entitled to compensation, get in touch today.
