An Aberdeen building firm has been fined £9,000 and ordered to pay a workman £4,000 after he was badly burnt in an electrical fire.

62-year-old George Forbes’ boiler suit was set on fire when a short circuit caused a localised electrical explosion.

The joiner, from Nigg, Aberdeen was working for Graeme W Cheyne (Builders) Ltd refurbishing flats on Holburn Street in the city on 11 November 2008 when he attempted to move a redundant electricity power supplyy because he needed to fit new plasterboard behind it.

Unknown to Mr Forbes, the fuse cut-out was still live and connected to a 415 volt cable when he touched it. The Health and Safety Executive investigation revealed that the cable was twisted, causing a short-circuit that created enough energy to melt the cable and create a small explosion.

The firm was fined £9,000 and ordered to pay Mr Forbes £4,000 in the prosecution.

Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard that Mr Forbes suffered burns to his face and his left hand. While he recovered and returned to work a few weeks later, he was extremely lucky not to have been electrocuted.

Graeme W Cheyne (Builders) Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to provide and maintain a safe system of work for employees working on or near an electrical system. They were breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974.

Following the case, HSE Inspector Liz Standen said: "It's lucky Mr Forbes was not electrocuted or more seriously hurt when the 415 volt cable blew up in his face in what was an entirely avoidable incident.

"Graeme W Cheyne (Builders) Ltd, should have checked that all redundant electrical services on the property had been proven to be dead by a competent person before working on or near them.

"It is extremely dangerous to make assumptions that electrical equipment is safe to work with."