Apprentice, 17, Falls From Ladder After Electric Shock In Workplace Accident

A 17-year old apprentice engineer fell from a ladder after sustaining an electric shock in a workplace accident, Dartford Magistrates’ Court heard on August 29th.

Kenard Engineering Company admitted breaching the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 at the hearing and was fined £10,000 with costs of £1,981.

The accident at work occurred on June 15th 2012, when the apprentice was helping to move a crane. He was plugging computer equipment into a cable tray socket when he recoiled after being hit by electricity, falling three metres to the floor. He suffered numbness in the lower back and a herniated disc, but has been able to return to work.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the firm had failed to implement safe working systems, as it had not ensured the employee was competent for the task he was doing.

HSE inspector Rob Hassell explained Kenard Engineering could have avoided the accident at work by ensuring three-phase electrics and other electrical work was performed by qualified members of staff.

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