THIS is the moment a tree surgeon thought he was “going to die” as he was electrocuted by a powerline.
Joshua Pocknell was doing routine maintenance of hedges in on April 19, 2024, when he made contact with an overhead electricity cable.
Joshua Pocknell suffered an electric shock from an overhead powerline while carrying out maintenance Credit: HSE/PA Wire
The tree surgeon was pushing a mobile lighting tower when the top of it made contact with an overhead cable Credit: HSE/PA Wire
The 26-year-old was rushed to hospital after suffering life-threatening injuries from the 11,000 volt shock.
He said: “My whole body locked and I felt hot and cramping, he said.
“I could hear the electricity in my head and thought I was going to die.
“I hit the floor and passed out, still cramping.
The 26-year-old was rushed to hospital after sustaining life-threatening injuries Credit: PA
His employer, Upton Specialist Tree Services, was found guilty of not planning for or risk assess dangers posed by the power lines Credit: PA
“I later discovered a hole had burnt through my arm and hip all the way to the bone.”
CCTV footage of the incident, released by the and Safety Executive (HSE), shows Joshua pushing a mobile lighting tower on a road near Royal Wootton Bassett shortly after midnight.
After a few seconds of moving the machine, flashing sparks can be seen to his hands as he is being electrocuted.
Joshua’s body is seen stiffening up as he collapses to the floor.
After seeing the 26-year-old fall to the floor from the shock, his colleague rushes to his side.
Joshua spent the five weeks following the incident recovering from life-threatening injuries.
He said: “My injuries were complex and challenging and there were five or six different surgeons involved in my treatment.
“I still experience considerable pain and strange bodily sensations, including nerve pain and itching.
“This incident has torn the life from beneath me and I don’t think I will be able to return to the job that I used to love.”
A HSE into the incident found Upton Specialist Tree Services, Joshua’s employer, had failed to adequately plan for or risk-assess the dangers posed by overhead power lines.
The company did not implement suitable control measures, such as barriers, instruction or training in operating the mobile lighting tower.
After deciding to work after dark due to less traffic on the road, the Dorset-based company did not properly assess the overhead power lines on the street.
Upton Specialist Tree Services pleaded guilty to a breach of the Electricity at Work Regulations and was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay £6,237 in costs at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on May 1.
inspector Tom Preston said: “Joshua is lucky to be alive.
“Overhead electrical power lines present extreme risks to workers, but the risks can and must be controlled.
“Work near overhead power lines should only be carried out where it can be done safely, following a suitable risk assessment, the use of barriers or safety zones, and proper training on the equipment being used.
“In this case, a worker sustained severe injuries in a traumatic incident for all concerned that was entirely preventable.
“HSE will take action against those who to take the steps necessary to protect people at work.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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