West Lothian Council fined following death of elderly lady

A court has heard how an elderly lady died after falling through a hole in her hallway floor which had been left uncovered by council workers carrying out repairs on her property.

Mrs Catherine Walker, aged 90, was walking to her bathroom when she fell through an unguarded access hole in her hallway on 2nd July 2009. Employees of West Lothian Council had been carrying out gas repair works on her house in Broompark View, East Calder, as part of a programme to upgrade the central heating systems in all council-owned residences.

The work, which involved fitting new radiators, pipework, a boiler and electrical control systems, required the council employees to lift floorboards in order to complete the job. However, when the workers left Mrs Walker’s property for the day, they failed to ensure that the access hole they had created was safely guarded.

West Lothian Council pleaded guilty to contravening the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Livingston Sheriff Court. They were fined £80,000.

Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Garry Stimpson said: "This tragedy could have been avoided. The council employees should have covered the access hole or erected a barrier around it – this would have ensured the safety of Mrs Walker.

Those working on central heating systems in a residential property must ensure that suitable and sufficient measures are taken to protect the residents.

Every year thousands of projects involving central heating installation and uprgrading are carried out across Scotland. Every time work is carried out contractors must take positive steps to prevent incidents – otherwise this type of incident will happen again

First Response Training Scotland can offer health and safety training in a wide range of subjects for all industry sectors. Their knowledgeable advisors can talk you through your training requirements and options for practical training, e-learning, blended or distance learning. Some direct delivery courses can also be externally accredited by recognised awarding bodies such as IOSH, CIEH and REHIS.

E-learning Manager, Pete Stock, says: "We have flexible options to suit all organisations. Some companies find that e-learning is the best fit for them because it is cost-effective and convenient. It is especially ideal for staff inductions and refresher training.

Whatever option you go for, though, it is important that you do not skip health and safety training altogether. This can lead to tragic and avoidable accidents. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states that it is the duty of companies to ensure that they and their workers are protected from harm, but also any member of the general public who may be affected by their activities.

For more information about first aid and health and safety training courses, please call free phone 0800 310 2300 today to speak to one of our advisors.