The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has served an improvement notice on EDF following a health and safety incident at Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station.
ONR issued the notice after a scaffolder, employed by an external company, sustained a minor burn to the back of their neck after coming into contact with a defective light fitting.
The incident occurred on 20 February 2025 when the worker was erecting scaffolding to access a wall heater in the reactor hall near to the damaged light fitting.
Mike Webb, ONR’s Head of Operating Reactors sub-directorate, said: “Our investigation into the incident showed that EDF had identified the defective light fitting in October 2024.
“However, EDF had not correctly assessed the health and safety risks associated with the damaged light fitting, resulting in the injury to the worker.”
ONR issued the improvement notice under The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 2(1) and 3(1) The Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999, Regulation 3(1)(a)(b).
To comply with the notice EDF must ensure it has suitable arrangements in place to correctly assess the risks arising from identified defects to ensure the health and safety of workers.
Mike added: “We will continue to engage with EDF during the period of the improvement notice to ensure positive progress is made to address this shortfall.”
EDF has until 15 July 2025 to comply with the notice.