Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council has been fined £400 000 following the death of an electrician working in one of the council's offices in 1997.
The electrician had been called to repair a heating unit in a false ceiling when he came into contact with some exposed electrical wires. There was evidence that council managers had been aware of the danger for some time but had failed to take appropriate steps or to warn the electrician.

The prosecution at Doncaster Crown Court was brought by the Health and Safety Executive under the Health and Safety at Work Act. The HSE was also awarded costs amounting to £30 000.

David Cotton, head of operations of the Health and Safety Executive in the region said: "I hope this fine will bring home to all employers, whether in the private or public sector, the high price of not properly discharging their responsibilities of ensuring the safety of people working on their property."

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor