The faults were uncovered in February when a crane operator spotted a failed connecting pin and visible cracks in a mast section during routine pre-use checks on the Somerset site.

The incident, reported under RIDDOR, did not lead to any injuries or collapse, but the discovery raised red flags over equipment safety management on the nuclear job.

An investigation by the Office for Nuclear Regulation found NNB Generation Company (HPC), the site licensee and principal contractor, had failed to properly plan, manage and monitor the condition of tower cranes, breaching safety rule requirements.

ONR Principal Inspector John McKenniff, said: “While the observed damage did not result in any crane failure or collapse, this improvement notice was served to ensure that action is taken to prevent any similar occurrences in the future.

“We will monitor the actions of NNB GenCo and will consider taking further action if additional shortfalls are identified.”