Company fined after death of worker

Western Power Distribution (South West) Plc of Feeder Road, Bristol has pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The company has today been fined £800,000 and ordered to pay costs of £113,115.

Ryan’s wife Zara commented after the hearing: “From the moment the police arrived to tell me Ryan had died my life ended. Nothing will bring me comfort or accept what has happened. Ryan was such an amazing partner, kind, supportive, hands on, the very best husband and father.”

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Georgina Speake said: “This tragic case highlights the need for duty holders to properly plan, supervise and coordinate all work at height.

“Western Power failed in its duty to protect workers when conducting such a dangerous work activity, as a result Mr Thomas never returned home to his young family.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. https://www.hse.gov.uk/
2. More about the legislation referred to in this case can be found here.
3. HSE news releases are available here.