London firm fined after worker digs into power cable

The labourer, who has not been named, hit the cable while digging a trench during work to lay a new sewage pipe.

The current burned the 41-year-old’s body and throat and he has since been registered disabled.

Following the incident in July 2013, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and took the decision to prosecute the company in control of the work, Medpharma Ltd, having deciding it had breached health and safety laws.

At Southwark Crown Court, the firm was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay £40,000 in costs having been convicted at an earlier hearing.

Speaking after sentencing, HSE inspector Stephron Baker Holmes said: “This case follows a terrible incident that left a man seriously injured, with consequences that he is still living with two years later.

“Where digging work is liable to disturb underground services it is vital to take suitable and sufficient steps to control the risks.”

At Royds, our team has a wealth of experience representing both claimants and defendants in respect of personal injury claims. For more information please visit or email James Millar Craig.