A scaffolder was burned on the back of their neck in an incident at Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station.
It took place when the worker was erecting scaffolding to access a wall heater in the reactor hall and came into contact with a damaged light fitting.
The scaffolder, who was employed by a contractor, suffered a minor injury in the incident on February 20, sparking a probe from a nuclear safety watchdog.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has now served EDF, which operates the plant, an improvement notice.
A spokesperson for EDF said it has reminded staff of the importance of pre-work risk assessments and has “taken steps to tighten electrical safety procedures”.
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.”
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.
He 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.”
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An EDF spokesperson said: "Since this incident we have reminded staff of the importance of pre-work risk assessments and we have taken steps to tighten electrical safety procedures.
“These type of events are avoidable and we are putting steps in place to prevent any repeat as we take pride in protecting our plant and people."
EDF has until July 15 to comply with the notice.
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