Following a serious incident at a Somerset school in May 2025, where a 14-year-old student suffered life-threatening injuries after coming into contact with a high-voltage cable, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a formal investigation.
What happened?
A student came into contact with a high-voltage cable on school grounds and sustained critical injuries. The HSE investigation identified several contributing factors:
- Inadequate barriers or signage near electrical hazards
- Lapses in grounds risk assessment
- Poor out-of-hours supervision
Why does this matter?
Accidents involving electricity can be life-altering and have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and the wider school community. Such incidents can also lead to prosecution of school leadership and significant reputational damage.
What can Premises Managers do?
- Carry out full premises safety audits, with particular attention to electrical hazards and areas not routinely accessed.
- Identify hidden risks through regular visual inspections, especially after changes to the site or during out-of-hours periods.
- Provide clear guidance on safe student supervision and zoning, ensuring that hazardous areas are properly secured and signposted.
- Review and update risk assessments for grounds and external areas, including arrangements for after-school activities and site access.
- Ensure all staff are aware of the dangers posed by electrical equipment and infrastructure and know how to report concerns.
Actions for all staff:
- Remain vigilant for potential hazards and report any issues immediately.
- Do not allow students unsupervised access to areas where electrical risks may be present.
- Support the premises team in maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
Learn more:
Guidance for schools – Electrical Safety Info Sheet
Case studies – HSE
