ScottishPower have received a £1.75 million fine following an incident which left a worker with serious burns.
The incident happened on 12 October 2013 at Longannet Power Station in Alloa, central Scotland. A plant controller was injured when he opened a faulty valve which caused him to be engulfed by high pressure, high temperature steam. The employee sustained serious burns to his chest and legs as a result.
An investigation into the incident conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the firm were aware of the faulty valve but had failed to take steps to repair the valve or remove it from use.
Principal inspector for the HSE, Fiona MacNeill commented: ''The plant controller suffered severe and life changing injuries. This case has highlighted the importance for every employer of ensuring that systems are in place for maintaining work equipment in a safe condition, efficient working order and in good repair.''
ScottishPower pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Cedrec's take
While this large fine is in line with the higher penalties ushered in by the health and safety offences, corporate manslaughter and food safety and hygiene offences definitive guidelines introduced earlier this year, this new sentencing regime does not apply in Scotland.
Whilst the Scottish Sentencing Council prepare sentencing guidelines for use in Scotland, Scottish Courts may well be considering the new guidelines that apply to England and Wales when sentencing health and safety offences. It will be interesting to see whether once published, if the sentencing guidelines in Scotland closely resemble those in England and Wales.
