A significant fine handed out to a steel fabrications company has highlighted how important quality electrical courses are to professionals in the sector.

Hickman Engineering was ordered to pay £1,500 plus the costs involved in a court case brought against the organisation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Labourer Ben Roberts suffered an electric shock while working near a machine that was not even turned on at the time, with the man having to go to hospital to treat burns on his finger, wrist, chest and legs.

After investigating the scene, it was found that a cable had not been repaired correctly, which suggests that a greater focus on electrical courses may have prevented this accident from happening.

HSE inspector Wayne Owen later stated: "One of the main causes of incidents involving electricity, as it was in this case, is the use of poorly-maintained equipment."

Earlier this month, Leeds City Council was fined £10,500 for endangering the life of lorry driver through the location of a power line.

Find out about our electrician training courses on offer