Care home fined after resident fell from height

Airdrie Sheriff Court heard how on 29 July 2019, a resident of Hillend View Care Home was found lying on the ground outside his bedroom window by a care assistant. He had fallen 4.5 metres and sustained multiple fractures including a fractured pelvis, right acetabulum and right humeral head.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the safety chains in place in resident’s bedroom to be inadequate to prevent the risk of falls. The care home had not assessed the risk of vulnerable residents falling from height.

Hillend View Limited of Airdrie Road, Caldercruix pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at work etc Act 1974 and was fined £21,000.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Kim Ross said, “Risks of falls from windows in care settings are well documented in HSE guidance which is readily available online. This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”