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22 Feb 2012
A local authority has been fined £12,000 after an elderly man staying in residential care was severely scalded at his care home.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Isle of Wight Council for having failed to ensure the respite centre centre had the proper shower fitting.
Brian Leek, 76, was staying at residential care home The Goulding, on the Isle of Wight, when he suffered 13% burns on his lower back from the hot water shower, Portsmouth Magistrates' Court heard.
An investigation revealed that the shower had not been fitted with a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) which would have limited temperatures to a maximum of 41C.
Another two healthcare facilities on the Isle of Wight, The Adelaide in Ryde and Westminster House in Newport, were found to be lacking TMV protection in their showers.
Isle of Wight Council pleaded guilty to Section 3(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £12,000 with costs to pay of £5,133.
Such a cost to an organisation, especially one in the public sector, could cause them financial difficulties. Having a public liability insurance policy in place might help to absorb the impact in case of legal proceedings and fines.
Copyright Press Association 2012
