Scaffolder is electrocuted

Camden Council fined £40,000 after scaffolder is electrocuted working on a local authority housing estate.

CAMDEN Council must pay a £40,000 fine after a father of three was electrocuted by a faulty security light while working on a local authority housing estate.

Ralph Kennedy, a 24-year-old scaffolder, was killed instantly when he touched the live metal casing during improvements to the accommodation in September 2006.

A colleague watched as Mr Kennedy, from Camden Town, collapsed clutching his arm during the work at the Mayford estate in Camden, north London.

Paramedics were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at the scene, the Old Bailey heard.

An investigation found somebody had cut the earth cable to the light, possibly to stop it flickering.

Camden Council admitted breaching health and safety legislation by failing in its duty to inspect light fittings on the estate.

Valerie Charbit, prosecuting, said: "There is no evidence that the light involved in the accident had even undergone routine maintenance to ensure its safety since it was installed in the early 1980s.

"The fault could easily have been identified, thereby preventing the death of Mr Kennedy."

John Williams, defending, expressed "deep regret" on the council's behalf.

He said the authority had spent more than £2 million so far on a continuing programme of safety measures in the light of the accident.

Judge Richard Hone said no amount of money could adequately represent the "tragic death" in such circumstances.

But he said: "When an accident at work involves the death of a young 24-year-old father of three children the public disquiet at flaws in systems does require significant financial penalties."

In addition to the fine the council was ordered to pay costs of more than £16,000.

Article created by Editor. (info@safetynetscotland.co.uk)