A contracting company has been fined after a worker suffered burns while working on a primary school refurbishment project in East Kilbride.

Stewart and Shields Limited, of E King St, Helensburgh, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 34(3) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and Section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

It was fined £7,500.

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that the incident took place at Heatheryknowe Primary School on 01 September 2011.

-- Advertisement --

The worker was digging holes to erect a fence when he struck a 430v underground electric services cable causing minor flash burns to his hands and face

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that site reports containing information about 'buried services' were made available to the company but they had failed to provide this information to workers or clearly mark where the power lines were situated underground.

The company should also have ensured that workers using digging devices were adequately trained.

HSE Inspector Graeme McMinn said: "There is an obligation on contractors to ensure that workers are informed of the dangers from buried underground services, and the need to ensure those services are located, checked and clearly marked."

(LM)