BW to face corporate manslaughter charge?

BRITISH Waterways directors may face criminal charges following the death of a 12 years old boy who drowned at Stourport Basin a year ago, writes Allan Richards.

Asked for information pertinent to British Waterways facing future corporate manslaughter charges, British Waterways has confirmed that a criminal investigation is underway regarding the Stourport Basin accident. However, it has refused to provide any details.

Ignored signs

Regular readers will be aware that Robert Fidoe, died a year ago when he ignored 'no cycling' signs at Stourport Basin. According to witnesses he fell into a lock when attempting to cycle across a bridge with low parapets. The bridge is predominantly used as as walkway for boaters when negotiating the locks but wider public access is not prevented.

Following the incident, British Waterways erected temporary scaffolding at the site and also at a dozen lock tail bridges that had no handrails. Some of of the temporary installations prevented use of the bridges.

Danger

This action led to a complaint that such temporary structures, in themselves, presented a danger to the public. The complaint also suggested that they spoilt visual amenity.

British Waterways' response to this complaint is not known.

Temporary scaffolding has now been replaced by 'single' handrails at lock tail bridges. However, the installation of some of these is such that they present a hazard to boaters by reducing headroom as exemplified by David Hymers photograph of Falling Sands Lock published in narrowboatworld.

Secrecy

British Waterways' annual Health and Safety report to its Board and CART's trustees makes no mention that a criminal investigation is taking place with regard to this accident. Similarly, the report makes no mention that, in another case which resulted in the a member of the public drowning, British Waterways made a failed attempt to have a coroners 'rule 43' report (produced to prevent further deaths) withdrawn. Indeed, the 'rule 43' report is not mentioned.

It would appear that British Waterways' lack of openness and accountability on matters of Health and Safety does not relate just to the public!