A Cheshire-based electrical transmission company, Wood Transmission and Distribution Limited, faced a significant legal and financial blow after a worker suffered life-altering injuries. The company was fined £240,000 following an incident that left a linesman, Gavin Pugh, paralyzed from the chest down.
The Devastating Incident
Gavin Pugh, a 35-year-old from Bangor in North Wales, was performing his duties on April 6, 2022, when the tragic event occurred. Employed as a linesman, Pugh was tasked with demolishing and replacing electricity pylons in East Staffordshire. While engaged in this hazardous work, he fell over 30 feet, resulting in severe injuries that have permanently altered his life.
Initial Work and Miscommunication
The team, including Pugh, began their work on a pylon designated as Tower AE11. Unbeknownst to them, a previous team had conducted a procedure known as “bolt cracking,” which involves loosening the bolts on the structure. This critical activity was neither documented nor communicated to Pugh’s team, leading to a dangerous and uninformed working environment.
The Day of the Accident
On the fateful day, Pugh’s team was understaffed, adding to the inherent risks of the job. As the demolition work progressed, Pugh attached his fall protection lanyard to a diagonal steel section of the tower. This section was only securely fastened at its uppermost point. As Pugh maneuvered around the pylon, the steel section shifted into a vertical position, causing his lanyard to loosen. This resulted in Pugh plummeting to the ground from a height of more than 30 feet. He endured six months in the hospital and, due to the extent of his injuries, is now unable to return to work.
Health and Safety Investigation Findings
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. Their findings were damning for Wood Transmission and Distribution Limited. The investigation revealed multiple failures in safety protocols and risk management:
- Lack of Planning and Supervision: The work at height was not adequately planned or supervised, leading to preventable dangers.
- Inadequate Risk Assessment: The risks associated with bolt cracking were not evaluated, and there was a failure to consider the work at height hierarchy during planning.
- Poor Communication: There was no effective system in place for recording and communicating critical safety information between different teams.
- Under-resourced Task: The task was not adequately staffed in accordance with the company’s safety documentation, compromising the safety of the workers.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
On April 12, 2024, Wood Transmission and Distribution Limited, based in Booths Park, Chelford Road, Knutsford, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates Court to breaching regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulation 2005. At a subsequent hearing on July 17, 2024, the company was fined £240,000 and ordered to pay additional costs amounting to £14,142.
Official Statements and Broader Implications
HSE’s Statement
HSE Inspector Robert Gidman commented on the preventable nature of the incident. He stated, “This tragic incident could have been prevented had Wood Transmission and Distribution Limited put in place adequate arrangements to protect its workers from harm. Proper assessment of the risks and consideration of work methods, adequate staffing, and clear procedures for transferring towers between teams could have enabled this work to go ahead without incident. Instead, because of the company’s shortcomings, a worker has sadly and unnecessarily been left paralyzed.”
Importance of Safety Compliance
This case underscores the critical importance of rigorous safety practices and clear communication in hazardous work environments. Companies engaged in high-risk activities must ensure comprehensive planning, adequate supervision, and effective communication of safety-critical information. The failure to adhere to these standards not only jeopardizes the safety of workers but also exposes companies to severe legal and financial consequences.
Notes to Editors
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) serves as Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. Their mission is to protect people and places, ensuring safer and healthier lives for everyone. More information about the legislation referred to in this case and the latest HSE news releases is available on the HSE website.
Sentencing Guidelines
It is important to note that the HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines, or collect fines. The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences must be followed unless the court deems it contrary to the interests of justice. These guidelines can be accessed through the relevant legal resources.
Conclusion
The tragic incident involving Gavin Pugh serves as a stark reminder of the paramount importance of workplace safety. The hefty fine imposed on Wood Transmission and Distribution Limited reflects the severity of their oversight and the dire consequences that can result from inadequate safety measures. It is imperative for all companies, especially those involved in high-risk industries, to prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees through diligent planning, communication, and adherence to safety regulations.
