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A tree surgeon has recounted a harrowing experience that left him fearing for his life after suffering a severe electric shock from an overhead powerline while on the job. Joshua Pocknell, 26, sustained serious injuries during a late-night operation in Wiltshire, prompting legal action against his employer, Upton Specialised Tree Services.
Incident Overview
Pocknell was clearing hedges near Royal Wootton Bassett on January 19, 2024, when a mobile lighting tower he was manoeuvring came into contact with an 11,000-volt powerline. The electric shock left him incapacitated, and he spent five weeks in hospital recovering from the traumatic injuries he sustained.
Reflecting on the incident, Pocknell described the moment as terrifying. “My whole body locked and I felt hot and cramping,” he recalled. “I could hear the electricity in my head and thought I was going to die. I hit the floor and passed out, still cramping.” He later learned that the shock had caused a hole to burn through his arm and hip, exposing bone.
Ongoing Health Struggles
More than two years post-incident, Pocknell continues to grapple with significant health challenges. “My injuries were complex and challenging, and there were five or six different surgeons involved in my treatment,” he stated. “I still experience considerable pain and strange bodily sensations, including nerve pain and itching. This incident has torn the life from beneath me, and I don’t think I will be able to return to the job that I used to love.”
Legal Consequences for Upton Specialised Tree Services
Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it was determined that Upton Specialised Tree Services had failed to adequately assess and mitigate the risks associated with working near overhead power lines. The company did not implement necessary safety measures such as barriers or provide adequate training for operating the lighting equipment.
On Friday, the firm appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court, where it pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. The court imposed a fine of £60,000 along with £6,237 in costs.
HSE inspector Tom Preston expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the inherent dangers of working near overhead powerlines. “Joshua is lucky to be alive,” he remarked. “Overhead electrical power lines present extreme risks to workers, but the risks can and must be controlled. Work near these lines should only be carried out where it can be done safely, following a suitable risk assessment, the use of barriers or safety zones, and proper training on the equipment being used. In this case, a worker sustained severe injuries in a traumatic incident for all concerned that was entirely preventable. HSE will take action against those who fail to take the steps necessary to protect people at work.”
Why it Matters
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the crucial importance of workplace safety protocols, particularly in high-risk industries like tree surgery and construction. The severe injuries experienced by Pocknell not only altered his life but also spotlight the need for employers to prioritise safety measures and risk assessments. With the potential for similar incidents looming, it underscores the imperative for stringent regulations to protect workers in hazardous environments. The consequences of negligence extend beyond legal ramifications; they can irrevocably impact lives, making it essential for businesses to foster a culture of safety and accountability.