Shocking video footage captured the terrifying moment a tree surgeon feared for his life after receiving a severe electric shock from a powerline. Joshua Pocknell, aged 26, was carrying out routine hedge maintenance late at night on April 19, 2024, when he suffered critical injuries. While maneuvering a mobile lighting tower along a busy street near Royal Wootton Bassett, the tower accidentally made contact with an overhead powerline.
The CCTV footage vividly shows the instant Joshua was hit by the electric shock and struggled to release his grip on the tower. He sustained life-threatening injuries and was promptly taken to the hospital, where he underwent a five-week recovery period.
Upton Specialised Tree Services Ltd faced legal consequences as they were fined £60,000 and ordered to pay £6,237 in costs at Bristol Magistrates’ Court for admitting to health and safety violations. Recalling the incident, Joshua described feeling his entire body locking up and experiencing intense heat and muscle cramps. He recounted hearing the electricity buzzing in his head and believed he was facing death. Upon collapsing, Joshua discovered severe burns on his arm and hip, reaching down to the bone.
Detailing the extent of his injuries, Joshua explained the complexity of his medical treatment involving multiple surgeons. He continues to endure significant pain and unusual bodily sensations, including nerve pain and persistent itching. The incident has shattered his previous passion for his job, casting doubt on his ability to return to his former occupation.
Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it was revealed that Upton Specialist Tree Services had sought permission from Wiltshire Council to conduct nighttime work. Despite the approval to work during the night due to traffic considerations, the company failed to adequately assess and plan for the risks posed by overhead powerlines. Essential control measures, such as barriers, training, and instructions for operating the mobile lighting tower, were neglected.
The company, headquartered in Wimborne, Dorset, admitted guilt to breaching the Electricity at Work Regulations. HSE inspector Tom Preston emphasized the critical importance of controlling risks associated with overhead electrical power lines to prevent tragic incidents like Joshua’s. He stressed the necessity of conducting work near powerlines safely through thorough risk assessments, implementing safety measures, and providing proper equipment training.
Preston further highlighted the preventable nature of the incident, underscoring HSE’s commitment to holding accountable those who neglect necessary safety precautions in the workplace.
