Energy / Cable roadworks paused after worker suffers injury
SSEN has confirmed that roadworks for its Shetland North reinforcement project have been paused after a worker was injured on site.
A spokesperson said that the worker was taken to hospital for treatment after the incident on 8 February and later discharged.
The incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
An SSEN Distribution spokesperson told Shetland News: “On 8 February 2026, a worker employed by a subcontractor for OCU – which is SSEN Distribution’s delivery partner for the North Mainland reinforcement project – was injured.
“OCU has paused works at the site while it investigates what happened. The worker was taken to hospital for treatment; they have since been discharged.
“The incident was reported to the Health and Safety Executive.”
It is believed that the incident happened in the Girlsta area.
A series of roadworks have been ongoing through the Central Mainland and into the North Mainland for a number of months to allow for cable laying.
The project will see the installation of two new high voltage distribution cables between the Gremista grid supply point in Lerwick and the North Mainland.
The cables are being installed in public roads.
The project will ultimately allow Sullom Voe Terminal to connect to the grid to receive power.
SSEN also said it will “increase network capacity, thus supporting the installation of low carbon technologies such as heat pumps and EV chargers in customers’ homes”.
The Health and Safety Executive has been approached for a response.
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