The Occult Bot

A case of Legionnaires Disease was reported in Nottingham Prison in early 2006, after which the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) began an enquiry regarding the cause of the illness and summoned jail authorities to a hearing pertaining to their responsibility in the spread of the disease.

The investigation showed that the bacteria responsible for the illness had come from the water in the Health Unit, as the Approved Code of Practice (AcoP) for controlling the illness was not followed by the authorities.

The HSE Director for the Midlands said that the jail authorities had not done enough to prevent the disease. The standard of safety measures was far below the required level, considering the fact that the presence of bacteria was high in both hot and cold water.

Make sure your organisation is aware of its health and safety obligations and has a clear understanding of its statutory duties; IOSH courses operated by Workplace Law provide directors/owners of UK organisations with an understanding of the moral, legal and business case for proactive health and safety management and to give guidance on effective risk management – click on IOSH UK for course details.

The jail authorities reportedly violated Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. They attended a hearing, which was held at the HSE’s Nottingham Office and explained the measures that they had taken to prevent a repetition of the incident.

Mindful of the fact that this could happen in other places as well, the HSE has warned employers to ensure that no such bacteria is present in the water in their establishments. They should follow proper procedures so as not to put their workers in any danger.

Comments Off