Two firms responsible for construction at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, Bouygues Travaux Publics SAS and Laing O’Rourke Delivery Ltd, are set to face prosecution after a worker suffered serious injuries when a steel rebar wall fell on him. The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) confirmed the action following an incident that occurred on August 20, 2022, at a pre-fabrication yard within the construction site near Bridgwater, Somerset.
The injured worker was handling the removal of a steel mesh wall from a vertical jig to relocate it elsewhere on site when the accident happened. Importantly, this incident posed no radiation risk to the public and was classified solely as a conventional health and safety issue.
Both companies, joint venture partners in BYLOR JV responsible for the primary civil engineering work at Hinkley Point C, face charges under Section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974. The allegations cite failures in adequately planning, managing, and monitoring construction activities to mitigate health and safety risks.
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Following a thorough investigation by the ONR, the UK’s independent nuclear safety regulator, legal proceedings have commenced. Details regarding the court hearing dates and locations will be released once finalized. The ONR has indicated it cannot provide additional comments at this stage due to the ongoing legal process.