An employee was instructed to carry out work on an electrical control panel to reverse the phases and reverse the conveyor that had blocked. The panel was still live and electrical shorting resulted in arcing and caused burns to his face and arms. He had not received training in electrical work.
Action
The employer was prosecuted under The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (No 16) and fined.
Comment
People who work on electrical equipment or installation must be competent to do the tasks required of them. Competence can normally be demonstrated by an individual who has successfully completed a suitable training course, has experience in the area of work, and is able to appreciate how to reduce the risks posed by the work activity.
The downloadable HSE booklet Electricity at work - safe working practices[1] provides information on how to select and instruct competent workers.