Neil

Cutting the hedges at home is a common weekend activity, but for Neil Clarke from Cheshunt, a fall from a ladder resulted in a punctured and collapsed lung and nine broken ribs. Here, he tells us more.

“The ladder wobbled and I took the decision to jump clear from it - a decision I thought was right at the time but can now see was not. It should have been a two-person job with somebody holding the ladder.”

“People don’t think about the consequences an accident can have on you and your family. An accident that, with hindsight, could have been avoided will live with me forever and the impact on others is massive.

“Over two stays I required 23 nights in hospital and even when I returned home I was in a room with 28 different types of medication. What people don’t see is the mental side of it, I hit rock bottom and was helped by the support of my family, friends and work colleagues.”

“Safety in the workplace is a top priority, but this is a reminder for people to stay safe at home as well, and to apply the same safety principles when they take on odd jobs such as DIY or gardening while off duty and relaxing at home.”

Neil Clarke is head of Highway Services and Disconnections for UK Power Networks based in Potters Bar. He has worked for the company for three decades and is a firm advocate of its safety culture.