Highland firm fined £80,000 after electrical explosion led to man's death
Christopher Earley suffered significant burns following the incident in Nigg.
Last updated 18th Jan 2023
A major employer have been fined £80,000 after an asbestos surveyor died following an electrical explosion in Easter Ross.
Global Energy Nigg Limited pled guilty today to a health and safety breach committed on December 10th 2020.
Tain Sheriff Court heard how Christopher Wayne Earley, director of CWE Asbestos Consultants Ltd, was carrying out a survey on behalf of Global Energy Nigg Limited at Nigg Energy Park (also known as The Port of Nigg).
During the survey of a large disused fabrication workshop the 64-year-old entered an electrical switch room which did not appear to be operational.
He opened an electrical cabinet and there was a flash caused by an electrical flashover - a high current electrical discharge through an air gap between conductors.
Mr Earley suffered significant burns and died in hospital on March 10th 2021.
The HSE investigation found Global Energy Nigg Limited had failed to maintain the switch room in an appropriate condition.
There was no internal door and no visual warning of electrical danger at the doorway.
Live switch panels did not carry any suitable warning signs or labelling, and redundant panels were also not marked.
Health and safety investigations Lead for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), Debbie Carroll hopes this will act as a reminder for those with a duty of care.
"Christopher Wayne Earley lost his life in circumstances which were foreseeable and entirely avoidable.
"By failing to maintain the switch room in an appropriate condition Global Energy Nigg Limited put someone not employed by them at unacceptable risk.
"This prosecution should remind duty holders that failing to take reasonable health and safety measures can have fatal consequences and they will be held accountable for this failure."
A Global Energy Group spokesperson said: "Global Energy Group express its sincere condolences to the individual’s family and friends following this tragic accident.
"The health and safety of everyone that works in and around the facility continues to be our top priority".