Nuclear Power
Regulator to prosecute over Hinkley Point B incident
EDF Energy and contractor Doosan Babcock are to face prosecution after an incident at the Hinkley Point B nuclear power station.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has announced that it has notified both firms of its intention to prosecute.
The charges relate to the injury of a Doosan Babcock employee on 12 April 2017 at the power plant in Somerset.
According to the ONR, it was a “conventional” health and safety matter and there was no radiological risk to workers or the public.
EDF Energy Nuclear Generation will be prosecuted for offences under the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 3(1) and Doosan Babcock for offences under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, Regulation 4(1).
The decision to prosecute follows an investigation into the incident by ONR.
Proceedings are currently scheduled to commence at Bath Magistrates Court on 12 September 2018.
“For legal reasons we are unable to comment further on the details of the case which is now the subject of active court proceedings,” added the ONR.
In a statement, Doosan Babcock said: “Health and safety is our number one value at Doosan Babcock and we take our responsibilities with regards to this extremely seriously.
“Following an industrial safety incident, involving a fall from height of a Doosan Babcock colleague at Hinkley Point B in April 2017, we have cared for our employee and have co-operated fully with the ONR throughout the investigation and we now acknowledge their intention to prosecute. As legal proceedings are pending we will not make any further comment at this stage.”
An EDF Energy spokesperson commented: “We are reviewing the charges against us and considering our response. As we would in any industrial safety incident of this nature we have and will continue to cooperate fully with the ONR.”
Regulator to prosecute over Hinkley Point B incident
EDF Energy and contractor Doosan Babcock are to face prosecution after an incident at the Hinkley Point B nuclear power station.
Jamie Hailstone
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