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A tree surgeon’s life was turned upside down after he suffered a severe electric shock while working in Wiltshire. Joshua Pocknell, 26, believed he was on the verge of death when a mobile lighting tower he was operating came into contact with an overhead powerline carrying 11,000 volts. The incident, which occurred just after midnight on January 19, 2024, resulted in serious injuries that required a five-week hospital stay and ongoing medical treatment.
A Near-Death Experience
Pocknell was engaged in hedge clearance near Royal Wootton Bassett when the accident occurred. The impact of the electric shock was harrowing. “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.” The shock caused him to collapse, and he later discovered that a hole had burned through his arm and hip, extending to the bone.
More than two years later, Pocknell continues to endure significant pain and has described the lasting effects as “complex and challenging.” “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,” he lamented, highlighting the toll the accident has taken on his career and mental wellbeing.
Employer’s Negligence Under Scrutiny
Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it was revealed that Upton Specialised Tree Services, Pocknell’s employer, failed to adequately assess the risks associated with working near overhead powerlines. The company did not implement necessary precautions, such as erecting barriers or providing appropriate training for operating the mobile lighting tower.
At a recent hearing at Bristol Magistrates’ Court, Upton Specialised Tree Services admitted guilt for violating Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, as per Regulation 3. The court imposed a fine of £60,000 and ordered the firm to cover an additional £6,237 in costs, underscoring the serious consequences of workplace safety failures.
Calls for Enhanced Safety Measures
HSE inspector Tom Preston condemned the incident, stating, “Joshua is lucky to be alive.” He emphasised that risks associated with overhead electrical lines must be effectively managed. “Work near overhead power 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.” He warned that the HSE will take decisive action against employers who neglect their responsibility to safeguard workers.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for stringent safety protocols in the workplace, particularly in high-risk environments like tree surgery and electrical maintenance.
Why it Matters
The ramifications of this incident extend far beyond one worker’s injuries. It highlights a systemic issue regarding workplace safety standards in high-risk industries. With the increasing focus on health and safety regulations, the case against Upton Specialised Tree Services serves as a crucial precedent. It reinforces the message that employers must prioritise the wellbeing of their employees and take proactive measures to prevent such avoidable tragedies. Ensuring worker safety is not merely a legal obligation but a moral imperative that can save lives and preserve livelihoods.