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03/04/2007
Report finds series of failings in Legionnaires' outbreak
A report into an outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease in Cumbria, which killed seven people, has highlighted a series of failing by officials.
The people died after contracting the deadly bacteria, which was spread by a faulty air conditioning system at the council-run Forum 28 arts centre in Barrow between July and August 2002.
The bacteria had been allowed to breed because the temperature inside was not controlled and the system was not properly cleaned.
Another 180 people were also infected during the outbreak.
The report by the Health and Safety Executive blamed poor communication between staff responsible for the air conditioning system at Barrow Borough Council and also said that they failed to act on concerns that had been raised prior to the outbreak.
The report also said that they failed to carry out a risk assessment, as well as properly manage contractors to ensure that the system was kept clean and functioning properly.
Barrow Borough Council was cleared of corporate manslaughter, but was fined £125,000 for breaching health and safety laws.
The council's design services manager Gillian Beckingham was also cleared of manslaughter, but convicted of health and safety breaches.
During the trial at Preston Crown Court, it was revealed that she had failed to maintain the contracts provided for the upkeep of the air conditioning unit.
An inquest into the deaths during the outbreak is due to take place in June.
(KMcA/SP)
The people died after contracting the deadly bacteria, which was spread by a faulty air conditioning system at the council-run Forum 28 arts centre in Barrow between July and August 2002.
The bacteria had been allowed to breed because the temperature inside was not controlled and the system was not properly cleaned.
Another 180 people were also infected during the outbreak.
The report by the Health and Safety Executive blamed poor communication between staff responsible for the air conditioning system at Barrow Borough Council and also said that they failed to act on concerns that had been raised prior to the outbreak.
The report also said that they failed to carry out a risk assessment, as well as properly manage contractors to ensure that the system was kept clean and functioning properly.
Barrow Borough Council was cleared of corporate manslaughter, but was fined £125,000 for breaching health and safety laws.
The council's design services manager Gillian Beckingham was also cleared of manslaughter, but convicted of health and safety breaches.
During the trial at Preston Crown Court, it was revealed that she had failed to maintain the contracts provided for the upkeep of the air conditioning unit.
An inquest into the deaths during the outbreak is due to take place in June.
(KMcA/SP)
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