Two Firms Fined After Workers Suffer “Life-Changing” Burns from Electrical Flashover

Two companies were fined after two electricians suffered severe burns while working on live electrical equipment at a plant in Glenrothes, Scotland. The incident occurred when workers from C&F Electrical Services Ltd were carrying out replacement work at Raytheon Systems Limited’s site. Both workers sustained serious, permanent injuries due to an electrical flashover caused by a capacitor falling onto a live conductor. 

 This contact resulted in a flashover, an electrical arc between the live conductors and the metal casing of the distribution board. A flashover can produce bright light, loud noise, and extreme heat—high enough to vaporise metal. The two men were severely burned on their face, neck, and arms. 

Health and Safety Violations 

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that both C&F Electrical Services Ltd and Raytheon Systems Limited had failed to plan the work safely. The work could have been performed with the distribution board switched off, which would have significantly reduced the risks to the workers. 

Raytheon Systems Limited, based in Harlow, Essex, admitted to breaching Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and was fined £24,000. C&F Electrical Services Ltd, based in Glenrothes, Fife, also pleaded guilty to breaching the same regulation and was fined £20,000. 

Importance of Safe Electrical Work 

Working with live electrical equipment poses serious risks. In this case, the companies did not take proper precautions, leading to severe injuries that could have been avoided. Kerry Cringan, the HSE inspector, stressed that live work should only be done if it is unreasonable to turn off the power and if proper precautions are taken. The work could have been safely carried out with the power off. 

Lessons Learned for Businesses 

This case highlights the importance of planning electrical work carefully. Companies must ensure that workers are not exposed to unnecessary risks, especially when dealing with live electrical equipment. Proper planning and safe working practices can prevent serious accidents like this one. 

How CQMS Can Help 

At CQMS, we specialise in helping businesses develop and maintain robust health and safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with regulations like the Electricity at Work Regulations. Our team of experts can provide risk assessments, safety audits, and training to ensure your employees stay safe on the job.