Accident overview
On 3 December 2020, Hollins received a 33,000-volt electric shock, causing severe burns to 40% of his body and nerve damage that now affects his mobility.
Mr Hollins was left hanging from his climbing harness on the pylon after the shock, and his colleagues had to rescue him.
He was taken to the specialist burns unit at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, where he had to undergo six surgeries in just 10 days as a result of his extreme injuries.
Recovery and life-altering injuries
Hollins' recovery was long and difficult, and he required 24-hour care for months after the accident. While he no longer needs frequent hospital visits, he remains a burns patient for life.
He still suffers from pain, difficulty walking, and uncertainty about long-term internal damage caused by the high-voltage shock.
Safety failures and penalties
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the incident could have been avoided. 4 Power Ltd, the company contracted to do the work, had failed to properly assess the risks before allowing Hollins to start the job.
In not conducting a proper risk assessment, they did not identify that the arms of the pylon were too short to allow safe working distances from the live electrical lines. National Grid also failed to ensure the electricity was turned off before work began, which also could have prevented the accident.
Both companies faced significant penalties. 4 Power Ltd was fined £80,000 for breaching safety regulations, while the National Grid received a £3.2 million fine after admitting to breaching Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
The judge confirmed that both companies failed in their duty to keep workers safe, and the work should never have been carried out while the power line was live.
The importance of following safety law
During the court proceedings, Mr. Hollins shared details of the impact the incident has had on his life. Once in peak physical condition, he can no longer provide for his family in the job he loved and now faces lifelong physical and emotional challenges. Despite his survival, he continues to live with the uncertainty of what long-term damage the electric shock may have caused to his internal organs.
The case highlights the dangers of working with live electrical systems and the importance of following proper safety protocols and undertaking thorough risk assessments before work starts.
HSE Inspector Rhys Hughes stressed that if a safe system of work had been in place, Mr. Hollins’ injuries could have been prevented.
Key takeaways for employers
Thorough risk assessments are essential
This accident incident occurred because both 4 Power Ltd and National Grid failed to properly assess the risks of working near live electrical circuits.
A full risk assessment would have identified that the pylon arms were too short to maintain a safe distance from the live lines.
This tragic case underscores the need for companies to have safe systems of work in place and to ensure compliance with safety standards. Proper planning and preparation can prevent life-altering injuries and save lives.
Electrical safety is a priority
The National Grid didn't turn off the electricity before allowing work to begin. When dealing with high-voltage power, ensuring that electricity is cut off before any work starts is essential to prevent life-changing accidents or even death.
Long-term impact on workers
Even though Mr Hollins survived, his injuries have permanently affected his life, career, and ability to support his family. The physical and emotional toll of workplace accidents can be devastating and long-lasting.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility employers have to protect their workers. When safety procedures are not followed, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Free HSE advice for employers and workers unsure of what their duties are or how to comply is available at hse.gov.uk.
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