Alun Owen, a 32 year old engineer from Bethesda, was working to repair a telephone line in October 2020 when he slipped and fell into the River Aber in Abergwyngregyn. He sadly died due to the incident.
Several Openreach Limited engineers were trying to fix the telephone line, which ran across the river, for two months. When the incident happened, there was flooding in the area so the river was higher and faster than usual. Mr Owen had to enter the river on 6 October 2020 in order to reach an island in the river. From there he would try and throw a new telephone cable to the other side by taping it to a hammer then throwing the hammer. Unfortunately, when crossing the remaining section of the river, he slipped in a deeper part and the river subsequently swept him away.
A joint investigation took place between the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and North Wales Police. The investigation found that there was no safe system of work in place for work near or on water. In addition, none of the engineers received any training, information or instruction on safe working near water.
As a result, Openreach Limited pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £1.34 million. In addition, it was ordered to pay costs of £15,858.35.
HSE inspector Christina Roberts said "This was a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a much loved young man. Mr Owen’s family, friends and colleagues have always remained in our thoughts.
“His death would have been preventable had an effective system for working on or near water been in place. Mr Owen should not have been put in the unsafe working situation. Companies should learn the lessons from this incident if they have staff who may work on or near water and be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
In addition, North Wales Police Detective Chief Inspector Andy Gibson said “North Wales Police worked closely with HSE and whilst it was a protracted and lengthy investigation, it was critical that any failings were identified and acted upon.”
