Two care provider companies fined and a manager cautioned after employee stabbed
A care agency in Liverpool that supports people with mental health issues has been fined after an employee was stabbed by one of the residents.
The hearing at Liverpool Crown Court heard the case which revolved around the stabbing that occurred in 2014. An employee of Options for Supported Living was undertaking a standard visit to assist with the transition of services for a resident from Fulwood Care Ltd to Options for Supported Living.
The resident and the employee were left alone despite rules prohibiting residents with a history of aggression and violence from being left alone with others.
The employee suffered PTSD
The employee made a physical recovery but suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and still receives counselling.
After an investigation by the HSE Executive, it was determined that a dedicated training and full risk assessment and care plan for the individual were not fully undertaken.
Options for Supported Living Ltd of St Nicholas House, Old Church Yard, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £31,000 and ordered to pay £10,000 towards costs.
Fulwood Care Ltd of Ampthill Road, Aigburth, Liverpool pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £14,000 and ordered to pay £10,000 towards costs.
"“If a suitable safe system of work had been in place prior to the incident, the individual in care may not have reacted the way they did, and life-changing injuries sustained and trauma experienced by the Options employee could have been prevented.”
: HSE Inspector Rose Leese-Weller"
