A scaffolder has been injured in an electrical incident at Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station, prompting regulatory action against the plant’s operator.

The incident occurred on 20 February, when the scaffolder erected scaffolding to access a wall heater inside the reactor hall. During the work, the individual came into contact with a damaged light fitting and sustained a minor burn to the back of the neck.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), which investigated the incident, has issued an improvement notice to EDF, which operates the site.

Mike Webb, head of the ONR’s operating reactors sub-directorate, said EDF had identified the faulty light fitting in October 2024, but had failed to properly assess the health and safety risks it posed.

“Our investigation into the incident showed that EDF had identified the defective light fitting,” he said.

“However, EDF had not correctly assessed the health and safety risks associated with the damaged light fitting, resulting in the injury to the worker.”

In response, EDF said it had reminded staff of the importance of pre-work risk assessments and had taken steps to strengthen its electrical safety procedures.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We have taken steps to tighten electrical safety procedures and reminded teams of the need for thorough risk assessments before starting work.”

To comply with the improvement notice, EDF must now ensure it has suitable arrangements in place to assess risks linked to known equipment defects.

The ONR said it would continue to monitor the company’s progress.