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PHW · Construction · 2026-05-26

City Fencing Contractors Limited fined £10,000 after an employee was burned striking a live underground cable

Liverpool · Warrington Magistrates Court

What happened

An employee installing security fencing struck a live underground electrical cable while using a breaker to dig into the ground. The location of underground services had not been properly identified before excavation work began.

Injuries: Multiple burn injuries to the stomach, chest and arms.

The breach

Regulation 25(4) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

The sentence

  • Fine: £10,000
  • Costs: £5,487
HSE inspector

“Underground services are widespread and represent a significant risk; it is important measures are taken to identify them before any excavation work is undertaken.”

What would have prevented it

Locate and mark underground services before any excavation or breaking work starts.

How PHW helps

The machines, packs and quizzes that fit this kind of site.

Sector

Training and H&S evidence for construction sites

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Safety pack

Excavations and buried services

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Safety pack

Electricity on site

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Quiz

Could you show a site manager today, in writing, that each operator is authorised to use your machines?

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Source: HSE press release, Fencing contractor fined after employee suffers electric shock and burns