Steven Gilmore, a Kent scaffold worker, employed by Canterbury City Scaffolding, faced a life-altering experience when he suffered an 11,000-volt electric shock while on the job. The incident not only impacted Gilmore’s life but also had repercussions for the company involved, raising questions about safety measures and accountability.
While working on a scaffold structure, Gilmore accidentally came into contact with a high-voltage power line, resulting in an 11,000-volt electric shock. The immediate aftermath of the incident was marked by chaos and urgency, as colleagues rushed to Gilmore’s aid and emergency services were called to the scene.
Gilmore was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where he underwent extensive medical treatment for severe burns and electric shock-related injuries. The incident left him with not only physical scars but also psychological trauma, highlighting the devastating consequences of workplace accidents.
As news of the incident spread, attention turned towards the company responsible for the construction site and the safety protocols in place. The company, under the directorship of Ian Pepper, faced scrutiny for potential lapses in ensuring a safe working environment. Investigators from health and safety regulatory bodies, initiated a thorough examination to determine whether the company had adhered to proper safety standards or if negligence played a role in the incident.
The investigation revealed several areas where the company fell short in maintaining a secure work environment. Inadequate training, insufficient safety measures, and a lack of proper risk assessments were identified as contributing factors to the incident. The company’s safety protocols were deemed subpar, raising concerns about its commitment to ensuring the well-being of its workers.
In the wake of the investigation, legal actions were taken against both the company and its director, Ian Pepper. A £50,000 fine was imposed on the company for safety violations and negligence that led to the electric shock incident. Furthermore, Ian Pepper was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to undertake 200 hours unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
HSE Inspector Susie Beckett said: “This scaffolder’s injuries were life-changing and could have been fatal.
“This incident could have been avoided if this high-risk scaffold job had been properly planned, including seeking free advice from the Network Operator on what precautions to take, and then implementing those well-established precautions to prevent accidental contact with the overhead line.”
