News

Tuesday 10th March 2026

Devon Workplace Fatality Highlights The Ongoing Dangers Around Overhead Powerlines.

A recent prosecution following a tragic workplace fatality has once again brought national attention to the risks posed by working near overhead powerlines. An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed that warnings had been issued to relocate the powerline prior to the incident, yet the hazard remained in place. The consequences were devastating.

This case serves as a stark reminder that, despite decades of safety improvements, serious and fatal accidents continue to occur across UK workplaces - many of them preventable with proper planning, risk assessment and adherence to safety guidance.

HSE Fatal Injury Statistics: A Continuing Concern.
The latest provisional figures from the HSE show that 124 workers were killed in work‑related accidents in 2024/25, with construction, agriculture, forestry and fishing accounting for nearly half of all fatalities. Falls from height remain the single most common cause of fatal injury, representing more than a quarter of all deaths.

In addition, 92 members of the public lost their lives in work‑related incidents over the same period. These numbers, while low in historical terms, have plateaued in recent years - highlighting the need for renewed focus on safety culture and compliance.

A Preventable Tragedy.
In the Devon case, the court heard that the overhead powerline had been identified as a risk and that advice had been given to move it. The failure to act on that advice ultimately resulted in a fatal electrocution. The HSE stressed that employers must take proactive steps to eliminate or control risks, particularly when working near electrical infrastructure.

Roger Henderson, Head of Personal Injury at Rundlewalker, commented:
“Sadly, these injuries and deaths keep happening. We see time and again that early intervention, proper risk assessment and acting on expert advice could prevent tragedies like this. Our Personal Injury & Accident Team is here to support families and injured workers in seeking answers and securing the compensation they deserve.”

How Rundlewalker Can Help.
Our Personal Injury & Accident Team has extensive experience supporting individuals and families affected by workplace accidents, including:

• Electrocution and electrical‑infrastructure incidents
• Falls from height
• Machinery and equipment failures
• Agricultural and construction‑site injuries
• Fatal accident claims and inquests

We work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis where appropriate and provide clear, compassionate guidance from the outset. If you or a loved one has been affected by a workplace accident, please contact our team for confidential advice.

For more information on how Rundlewalker’s Personal Injury Team can help you or your family, please contact our office. Simply contact us now to discuss your legal situation and we can advise you of the options available. Please call Roger Henderson on 01392 209218 or email roger.henderson@rundlewalker.com.

Roger is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.

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"I had a really positive experience with Rundlewalker. Roger was extremely knowledgeable and empathetic to my case. He kept me updated at every stage of the process and ensured I knew exactly what the next steps were. He was friendly and approachable and only ever a phone call away. I really appreciated his high level of professionalism, which all helped in achieving a successful outcome. Highly recommended." M.P.

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 "We can't thank you, Roger, enough for all of your hard work during the process of the claim. You have been brilliant and kept us informed throughout which we both really appreciate, you have explained every step in a way that we could understand with ease, having had no experience in such a claim before.” Mrs N.