The incident on 4 March 2022 involved a scaffold worker falling approximately five metres, but avoiding serious injury.

ONR has issued the notice to Bouygues and Laing O’Rourke – the joint venture main contractor partners in the BYLOR JV building the new nuclear plant.

The ONR established there was a failure by BYLOR  to ensure that the work was properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out in a manner which was safe, so far as reasonably practicable.

ONR Inspector John McKenniff said: “Thankfully on this occasion the worker did not sustain any serious injuries, but it could have been much more serious.

“We have issued this Improvement Notice to ensure that both organisations take action to prevent any similar occurrences in the future.

“We will monitor the actions of BYLOR JV and will have no hesitation in taking action if further shortfalls are identified.”