Sadly today the death of an appliance engineer working for British Gas was reported by the Welwyn and Hatfield Times. The accident happened in June 2005.
On testin the instalation of a new motor in a customer’s applince which failed to work the engineer attempted to swap the old motor back into the machine. Whilst power had been removed to install the new motor, it apparently was not switched back off again when the remedial work began and the engineer was electrocuted.
Coroner Edward Thomas told Hatfield Coroner’s Court: “Everything I have read about Ricky is that he was a brilliant man.
“For him to die suddenly at such a young age is awful and I am really sorry.”
The jury recorded a verdict of accidental death by electrocution.
It is absolutely vital that, when working on any appliance or elctrical items, that power is removed so that you can work in safety without risk. As the sad case above highlights, even the experts can make mistakes but please always ensure that you make yourself as safe as possible.