A pylon worker has suffered severe burns to 40% of his body after receiving a 33,000-volt electric shock due to safety measures not being followed. The incident occurred while Father-of-two Justin Hollins was carrying out maintenance work on pylon ZD1 in Treforest Industrial Estate in Pontypridd. The National Grid was fined over £3 million for various failings that led to the shocking incident.
Mr Hollins was seen hanging from a harness by a colleague after coming into contact with a live 33-kilovolt power line, causing significant burns. Despite being initially feared dead, he was rescued by his colleagues, taken to the hospital, and admitted to intensive care. His physical injuries included burns to his leg, torso, arms, palm, and feet, resulting in extensive damage and six operations within a ten-day period.
The court heard that National Grid and 4 Power Ltd were investigated for their roles in the incident. Failings admitted included failures to ensure proper risk assessments, maintain safe working distances, and provide sufficient detail in work planning. The sentencing revealed that the incident could have been avoided with appropriate safety measures in place.
In a victim personal statement, Mr Hollins described the profound impact on his life, including ongoing physical and psychological challenges. The court received apologies from both National Grid and 4 Power Ltd for their roles in the incident. The fines imposed by Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke amounted to £3.2 million for National Grid and £80,000 for 4 Power Ltd.
While compensation was not addressed in court, it was indicated that it would be addressed through civil proceedings. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding safety regulations in potentially hazardous work environments. The repercussions of such lapses in safety can have lasting, life-altering effects on individuals and their families.