Council fined after vulnerable adults drink dishwasher fluid

East Sussex County Council has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and fined £50,000 after six adults with learning difficulties drank dishwasher fluid on a trip organised by the council.

Five of the adults, from St Nicholas Centre, Lewes, suffered severe internal injuries and, tragically, one man died after the group confused the toxic liquid with orange squash.

The incident occurred on 7th December 2004, during a visit to Plumpton Agricultural College where the adults were to use the sporting facilities. The drink, thought to be orange squash but actually containing sodium hydroxide, had been made at the day centre and taken with them.

It was reported in court that, immediately after drinking the powerful chemical, all six became severely distressed and began to vomit blood and suffer fits. They sustained horrific injuries, including burns to their mouths, throats and stomachs and each had to undergo several bouts of surgery. Three of the group will never be able to swallow normally again.

It was nearly 16 months after the incident that Colin Woods, aged 60, died from his injuries. Mr Woods, who had Down’s syndrome, suffered a "slow, painful and unnecessary death" on 5th April 2006.

An investigation by the HSE revealed that the council had neglected to ensure that the harmful chemical was safely locked away. Instead, the liquid had been left out in the unlocked kitchen at the St Nicholas day centre. It was marked as a dangerous corrosive liquid but it had been left in a container which was very similar in appearance to the orange squash bottle.

East Sussex County Council pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. In addition to their £50,000 fine they were also ordered to pay £27,670 in legal costs.

Andrew Cousins, an Inspector for the HSE, said: "This is one of the worst incidents I have investigated in all my time as a health and safety inspector – it is impossible to adequately imagine the suffering and terror that the victims must have felt as this tragedy unfolded.

"[...] Mr Woods died a slow, painful and unnecessary death and others have suffered terrible, preventable injuries – some painful and permanent – because the council failed in its responsibility to take proper care of them. It is imperative that authorities properly protect vulnerable people in their care.

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