William Eichler 05 December 2019

Council fined over £1m after child suffers ‘life-changing head injury'

Hampshire County Council has been fined £1.4m after a child suffered a head injury caused by an unsecured street bollard.

During a visit to Lymington with her family, the six-year-old climbed onto the 69kg cast iron hinged bollard which subsequently fell to the ground taking the child with it.

As a result, she suffered a serious head injury that was initially life-threatening and had to spend six months in hospital in a critical condition. The extent of her brain injury will not be fully known until her brain has matured.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the bollard was damaged and not appropriately secured.

The damage had been reported to Hampshire County Council prior to the incident and monthly scheduled inspections had failed to identify this.

The investigation also found ‘insufficient’ information, instruction and training were provided to the council’s highways department personnel conducting ad hoc and monthly inspections. The inspection guidance was also misleading.

Speaking after the case, HSE inspector Angela Sirianni said: ‘Councils have a duty to adequately assess and control risks to members of the public from street furniture.

‘A child has been left with life-changing injuries as a result of what was an easily preventable incident.

‘Council inspections failed to identify this risk over a long period of time and then, when alerted to the damage to the bollard, failed to take the urgent action required to prevent injury.’

Hampshire County Council was found guilty after a trial of breaching Section 3(1) of Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and has been fined £1.4m and ordered to pay full costs of £130,632.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: 'We deeply regret the injuries to the child and have done all we can to support her and the family since the accident, and will continue to do so. While we fully accept the verdict and the County Council’s liabilities, we believe that this was an exceptional and unfortunate incident.

'We are satisfied that our officers followed the County Council’s policies and procedures in force at the time. However, the Court found that these procedures fell short of requirements, arising from the change in Government policy - from a national framework to an approach based on risk assessment - which is more locally determined.

'This case may prove to be an important test case for the interpretation of this change more widely. Since the incident, our policies have been independently reviewed and updated, and we have taken further steps to learn lessons, including a revision of procedures, and additional investment in staffing and training.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Strategic Director – Place-Based Services

Stevenage Borough Council
£Competitive
Stevenage is a town with bold ambitions. Stevenage, Hertfordshire / Hybrid
Recuriter: Stevenage Borough Council

Social Worker - Children's Assessment and Safeguarding

North East Lincolnshire Council
ASYE level £36,363 up to £46,142
Make the change, be the difference to our children, our future. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Assist Response Officer

Mansfield District Council
£16,055.87 - £17,113.37 per annum (for 22.5 hours per week)
Mansfield District Council are looking for a dedicated individual to join our award winning ASSIST support scheme. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Town Centre Operative

Mansfield District Council
£25,583 - £25,989 per annum
Working in local government is a rewarding experience Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Resettlement Officer

Ashfield District Council
£28,598 - £31,022 per annum
Would you like to work in our Housing Options Team helping people to settle in the local community? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council
Linkedin Banner