In June 2017, an employee entered Prestonpans Pumping Station and fell through insecure floor panels into a sewage filled storm drain 3 metres below, while working alone at night.
HSE found an unfixed floor commonly became dislodged by floodwaters leaving gaps in it. The practice that had existed for over 10 years and employees worked around the gaps in the floor until refitted. There was no risk assessment or safe system of work for this activity.
Scottish Water pled guilty to breaching Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Edinburgh Sherriff Court fined the company £140,000.
