Risk news

The case of a joiner whose boilersuit caught fire when a short circuit caused a localised electrical explosion has sent out a timely reminder to firms to boost their health and safety measures.

A building firm has been landed with a £9,000 fine after the incident, which occurred when a 62-year-old employee was trying to move a redundant electricity power supply to fit new plasterboard behind it.

However, the man did not know that the supply was still live and he connected with a 415 volt cable, causing the suit he was wearing to burst into flames.

After a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation, it was revealed that the cable was twisted, causing a short-circuit that led to a small explosion.

The worker, who was awarded £4,000, received burns to his face and left hand but was fortunately able to return to work within a few weeks.

Following the case, HSE inspector Liz Standen reminded companies about the dangers of working with electricity: "It is extremely dangerous to make assumptions that electrical equipment is safe to work with."

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