AWE has today (18 September 2018) pleaded guilty to offences under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (1974).
The charges were brought by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) in relation to an electrical incident which occurred on 27 June 2017. The ONR has stated that this was a conventional health and safety matter and they are satisfied there was no radiological risk to the workers or the public.
AWE is continuing to operate safely, and places safety at the heart of its operations.
The incident happed during routine electrical inspection and testing work at a manufacturing facility on the company’s Aldermaston site. An electrician suffered a minor burn to his forearm following exposure to a live circuit.
AWE takes its health and safety responsibilities extremely seriously and deeply regrets that a member of staff was injured.
The case was adjourned for sentencing at Reading Magistrates Court on 09 November 2018.
As legal proceedings are ongoing, AWE is unable to make any further comment at this stage.