The National Grid has been fined over £3 million after a serious incident in South Wales left a father-of-two with life-altering injuries while working on a pylon.
Justin Hollins, aged 50, was replacing step bolts on a pylon at the Treforest Industrial Estate in Pontypridd when he was struck by a 33,000-volt electric shock. The accident resulted in severe burns covering 40% of his body, particularly affecting his arms and legs, and caused him to lose part of his right buttock.
National Grid Electricity Distribution (South Wales) Plc and 4 Power Ltd were both penalised for their roles in the incident, which took place on 3rd December, 2020.
Mr. Hollins, who underwent six surgeries in the first 10 days after the accident, recounted the challenges he faced, requiring round-the-clock care for several months.
“This was an incredibly tough time, filled with continuous surgeries and excruciating dressing changes,” he said. “Each day was a massive struggle.”
Although he stopped needing hospital appointments in August 2022, Mr. Hollins remains a burns patient for life. He reflected on how his excellent physical condition at the time of the accident likely contributed to his survival.
“I’ve lost the chance to support my family by doing the job I loved,” he added. “While I am grateful to have survived, I now have to live with the physical and psychological consequences of this accident for the rest of my life. There’s also the lingering uncertainty about the long-term effects of the high-voltage shock on my internal organs.”
Cardiff Crown Court heard that Mr. Hollins also sustained nerve damage that impacts his mobility. After the shock, he was left hanging on the pylon, suspended by his climbing harness, until his colleagues rescued him.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that 4 Power Ltd, based in Cheshire, had failed to properly plan and assess the risks of the job. Had they done so, they would have identified that the pylon arms were too short for the work to be carried out safely while adhering to industry-standard safety distances. National Grid Electricity Distribution (South Wales) Plc, based in Bristol, was found to have failed in ensuring the electricity was switched off to allow the work to proceed safely.
4 Power Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £80,000 and ordered to pay £14,123 in costs. National Grid Electricity Distribution (South Wales) Plc admitted to breaching Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. They were fined £3.2 million and ordered to pay £20,460 in costs.
HSE Inspector Rhys Hughes commented on the case, saying, “Mr. Hollins’ injuries were truly life-changing, and he is fortunate to have survived. Those in charge of work have a duty to establish safe working methods and provide the necessary information and instructions to workers.”
He expressed frustration, adding, “This tragedy could have been avoided if a proper safety system had been in place.”
HSE offers free advice and guidance on workplace safety through its website, hse.gov.uk.
The prosecution was led by HSE enforcement lawyer Iain Jordan, with paralegal officer Sarah Thomas assisting.
