EDF Receives Improvement Notice Following Safety Incident at Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station

A large industrial facility with prominent chimneys emits steam on a clear day, set against a backdrop of a bright blue sky and surrounded by a low fence and greenery.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has issued an improvement notice to EDF Energy after a safety lapse at Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station resulted in a worker injury.

On February 20, 2025, a scaffolder employed by a contractor sustained a burn to the back of their neck after coming into contact with a defective light fitting while erecting scaffolding in the reactor hall. Investigations revealed that EDF had identified the faulty light fitting in October 2024 but failed to adequately assess and mitigate the associated health and safety risks.

The ONR determined that EDF's oversight contravened the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999. Consequently, EDF is required to implement appropriate measures to assess and manage risks arising from identified defects to ensure worker safety. The company has until July 15, 2025, to comply with the notice.

This incident underscores the critical importance of proactive risk assessment and timely remediation of known hazards within nuclear facilities to safeguard personnel.