Tree surgeon thought he was ‘going to die’ during powerline electric shock

A tree surgeon suffered a severe electric shock after a mobile lighting tower he was pushing came into contact with an 11,000-volt overhead powerline near Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire. Joshua Pocknell, 26, was working just after midnight when the incident occurred, resulting in serious injuries that required five weeks of hospital treatment. He described the shock as intense, causing his body to lock up and leaving him with burns that penetrated to the bone. More than two years later, Pocknell continues to experience significant pain and nerve-related symptoms, and doubts he will be able to return to his previous line of work. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and found that Pocknell’s employer, Upton Specialised Tree Services, failed to adequately plan or assess the risks associated with working near overhead powerlines. The company did not install barriers or provide necessary training for operating the mobile lighting tower, contributing to the hazardous situation. Upton Specialised Tree Services pleaded guilty to breaching the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and was fined £60,000, along with an order to pay £6,237 in costs at Bristol Magistrates’ Court. HSE inspector Tom Preston emphasized the extreme dangers posed by overhead powerlines and the importance of proper risk assessments, safety zones, and training to prevent such accidents. He noted that the injuries sustained by Pocknell were entirely preventable and highlighted the regulator’s commitment to taking action against employers who fail to protect workers adequately. The case underscores ongoing concerns about workplace safety in industries involving close proximity to high-voltage electrical infrastructure.