Aberdeen firm fined for electrical explosion

An Aberdeen building firm has been prosecuted and ordered to pay compensation after a worker was injured when a short circuit caused a localised electrical explosion.

Graeme W Cheyne (Builders) Ltd were fined £9,000 after George Forbes, 62, of Nigg, Aberdeen sustained injuries following the explosion in November 2008. Mr Forbes was refurbishing a property in the city and attempted to move a redundant electricity power supply, known as a fuse cut-out, because he was attempting to install new plasterboard behind it.

However, the fuse cut-out was still live and connected to a 415 volt cable when he touched it. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that the cable was twisted, causing a short-circuit that created enough energy to melt the cable and create a small explosion.

Mr Forbes received burns to his face and his left hand. He made a recovery but an HSE inspector observed that he was extremely lucky not to have been electrocuted.

At Aberdeen Sheriff Court the company pleaded guilty to failing to provide and maintain a safe system of work for employees working on or near an electrical system, breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974. As well as the fine they were ordered to pay Mr Forbes £4000 by way of compensation.

Thompsons accident compensation solicitors deal with various types of accidents at work on a daily basis from minor accidents to fatal accidents and are here to help you if you have suffered a personal injury due to an accident at work.  Contact our accident compensation solicitors today on 0800 0891331,  our No Win No Fee policy means that we take care of the financial burden of legal action at an already stressful time for clients.