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PHW · Other · 2026-05-05

Upton Specialised Tree Services Ltd fined £60,000 after a worker was burned by an overhead powerline strike

Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire · Bristol Magistrates' Court

What happened

A worker was part of a team clearing vegetation on the A3102 near Royal Wootton Bassett at night when a mobile lighting tower he was pushing contacted an 11,000-volt overhead powerline. He suffered a severe electric shock and burns from the contact.

Injuries: Life-threatening burns through the arm and hip to the bone; hospitalised for five weeks with ongoing nerve pain and complex injuries requiring multiple surgeries.

The breach

Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, by virtue of Regulation 3

The sentence

  • Fine: £60,000
  • Costs: £6,237
HSE inspector

“Overhead electrical power lines present extreme risks to workers, but the risks can and must be controlled.”

What would have prevented it

Work near overhead powerlines, including with tall mobile equipment like lighting towers, needs the risk identified and controlled before work starts.

How PHW helps

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

Safety pack

Electricity on site

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Source: HSE press release, Man thought he was going to die after electric shock from overhead powerline