A leisure facilities management company has been fined £60,000 following the electrocution of a man during a football match. Albert Xhediku, a 34-year-old taxi driver, climbed over a fence to retrieve a ball that had gone out of play during a five-a-side game at the Mountbatten Leisure Centre in Portsmouth on January 17, 2016.
Fatal Incident
Mr Xhediku came into contact with a floodlight and received a fatal electric shock. He was pronounced dead in hospital later that day, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Investigation Findings
The HSE investigation revealed that worn and faulty wiring on the floodlight caused the incident. Parkwood Community Leisure had failed to properly inspect and maintain the equipment. The fault had existed for several years, and no repair action was taken, despite a previous incident a month earlier where an off-duty police officer suffered an electric shock from the same equipment.
Court Proceedings
Parkwood Community Leisure, based in Chorley, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. At Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on June 16, the company was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay costs of £40,000.
HSE Statement
HSE inspector Dominic Goacher said: 'This tragic incident should never have happened. What followed was a long and complex investigation. We found the electrical system of the floodlight that resulted in Albert’s death had already been identified by Parkwood as being in poor condition, yet it failed to take action to remedy the faults. This case is a stark reminder that effective systems must be put in place to properly assess and manage the risks posed by ageing infrastructure on their sites. As always, our thoughts remain with Albert’s family and friends, and we hope the conclusion of this case can offer them some comfort.'
