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Work related accidents, youclaim.co.uk

Underground cables and power supplies are a common source of workplace accidents

Around 1,000 workplace accidents involving electricity occur every year in the UK with approximately 25 people being killed as a result and most of these casualties are preventable, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which monitors all such incidents and advises on prevention of risks.

Working with power tools and other electrically-supplied equipment has its own dangers of which regular users are likely to be aware, but it is often those who are unfamiliar with the hidden perils of electricity who are victims of personal injury in industrial accidents.

Overhead power lines should be visible to anyone in their vicinity but underground cabling is less obvious and both workers and supervisors should be fully aware of the need for identification of their whereabouts and sufficient safety measures to avoid contact with them.

The HSE website has a mass of useful information for employers and employees relating to safety when working around electricity.

It gives this advice for workers who may be unfamiliar with the hazards of cabling and wiring:


  • Do a risk assessment for the work you are planning, and make sure this covers electrical hazards

  • Learn how to recognise electrical wires. These may be overhead power lines, electrical wiring in a workplace, or cables buried under the ground

  • Get an up-to-date map of the services in the area and use it

  • Look for electrical wires, cables or equipment near where you are going to work and check for signs warning of dangers from electricity, or any other hazard. Remember to look up, down, and around you

  • If you will be digging or disturbing the earth or cutting into surfaces, use a cable locator to find buried services and permanently mark the position of services you do find

  • Work away from electrical wiring wherever possible. If you have to work near electrical wiring or equipment, ask for the electrical supply to be turned off. Make sure the power is off, and cannot be turned on again without you agreeing

  • If the electrical supply cannot be turned off, consult a competent person who should be able to advise you on the best way to proceed

  • Identify where it is safe to work. Put up danger notices where there are still live electrical circuits, and warn your co-workers where it is safe to work and where it is not safe. Remember to remove notices at the end of the work

In November 2010, a Solihull heating company was prosecuted for failing to protect employees from the danger presented by underground cables which resulted in a worker being seriously burned after he hit a cable while digging.

An HSE inspector said at the time, "This incident was entirely preventable had the company taken proper precautions. The company knew about HSE guidance on safe digging practice and failed to follow it.

"It's essential that employers have safe working procedures for any work involving underground services, electrical plant, cabling or equipment."

Workplace accident compensation with YouClaim

The workplace accident compensation experts at YouClaim can give advice on all potential claims for those who have incurred pain, suffering or loss of earnings as a result of their employment because of an accident which was not their fault.

Under the no win no fee system, which usually applies for work-related and industrial accidents, any claimant who wins their case, as many of YouClaim's do, will have none of our personal injury lawyers' charges deducted from the settlement and every penny of compensation will be handed over.

With professional standards guaranteed through the Solicitors Regulation Authority, all our clients can be assured of the best possible attention at all times.

To find out more about our specialist services for victims of a workplace accident, you can make an initial inquiry by completing our online claim form or telephone one of our helpful advisers on 0800 10 757 95

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