EDF Complies with Improvement Notice Following Hartlepool Incident..

The Nuclear Power Station in Hartlepool managed by EDF Energy

Improvement notice was issued after a worker reportedly received a minor burn to the back of their neck due to a defective light fitting.

20th August 2025

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has confirmed that EDF, the operator of Hartlepool's Nuclear Power Station, has fully complied with an improvement notice issued after a health and safety incident at the facility in February 2025.

The enforcement action was reportedly prompted by a minor injury sustained by a scaffolder, employed by an external contractor, who received a minor burn to the back of their neck due to a defective light fitting. The ONR emphasised that the incident posed no risk to nuclear safety, the public, or the environment. Despite the minor nature of the injury, the regulator took action to ensure robust safety measures were in place.

The improvement notice was said to have been issued under Section 2(1) and 3(1) of The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Regulation 3(1)(a)(b) of The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, requiring EDF to address deficiencies in risk assessment processes related to identified defects.

Mike Webb, ONR’s Joint Head of Operating Reactors, commented: “Throughout the duration of the improvement notice, we have worked closely with EDF. We are satisfied that they have completed the necessary requirements of the notice to demonstrate suitable arrangements are in place to correctly assess the risks arising from identified defects to ensure the health and safety of workers.”

The ONR’s collaboration with EDF underscores its commitment to upholding stringent safety standards across the UK’s nuclear facilities. EDF’s compliance with the notice highlights its dedication to improving workplace safety and ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future.