A WORKER at a North-East forklift truck company survived a 230 volt electric shock after wrongly wiring a battery charger, a court heard yesterday.

Workshop engineer David Bayles was injured when he completed a live circuit by plugging in a battery charger that he had incorrectly connected to a plug and cable.

Mr Bayles sustained nerve and tissue damage in the accident at Rushlift Mechanical Handling Ltd, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, last July.

The 28-year-old, of St Helen Auckland, has been unable to return to work since the accident.

Magistrates, sitting at Bishop Auckland, heard that Mr Bayles had connected a live wire to the earth wire in the unit because the colours were confusing.

Health and Safety Executive inspector Michael Bone said an experienced and trained electrician would be aware of the risks.

The company admitted failing to ensure the safety of employees by routinely allowing staff without full training or experience to carry out electrical duties.

Bosses have since tightened up training and changed procedure to prevent a similar incident in future.

Magistrates fined the company £4,000 and ordered it to pay £2,096 legal costs.