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Tyres exploded and life of lorry driver at risk in powerline incident
Leeds Magistrates have heard that the life of a lorry driver was endangered when he lifted the tipper body of his wagon beneath a power line.
Arcing caused a blow out of the tyres and the driver was at risk of electrocution when he left his cab to check what was happening.
Signs and barriers should have been in place preventing the incident
Leeds City Council were fined £10,500 after pleading guilty to contravening HSW Act 1974 following the incident on 19 June 2008 at their Red Hall Estates landscape construction storage site at Shadwell.
An HSE investigation found that signs and barriers should have been in place. Lifting machinery was also in operation at the site which could have resulted in a similar incident.
HSE Inspector Charlie Callis said: “It is sheer luck that the driver of the tipper lorry escaped without serious injury and more importantly his life. As he got in and out of his vehicle whilst the tyres were exploding he could easily have been killed.
“Employers and businesses have a responsibility to ensure staff and visitors are aware of the dangers of overhead power lines. Signs and barriers should have been in place, but the council failed to do this.”