Fencing Contractor Fined After Electric Shock During Underground Cable Strikes

Brief Summary

An employee working on security fencing was injured after striking a live underground cable while using a breaker to dig into the ground. The HSE found the employer had not implemented suitable and sufficient controls to manage risks from underground services, leading to a guilty plea and a fine.

What Was The Incident?

A worker employed by a fencing contractor was preparing to install metal security fencing on a construction site. During the digging process with a breaker, he struck a live underground cable and suffered an electric shock, resulting in multiple burn injuries to his stomach, chest and arms.

What Was The Outcome?

The fencing contractor pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 25(4) of the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015. The company was fined 10000 and ordered to pay 5487 in costs. The case was dealt with at Warrington Magistrates Court on 26 May 2026.

Key Points To Consider

Prevent risks from underground services before excavation starts. Where construction work could create a risk from underground services, it must not proceed until suitable and sufficient steps have been taken so far as is reasonably practicable.

HSE Prosecution Link