Enforcement of health and safety law

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Prosecutions of organisations for failing to take action to prevent violence against workers are few and far between. However, in May 2023, security company Serco Ltd was fined £2.25 million for health and safety failings following the death of custody officer Lorraine Barwell. She died from brain injuries after being kicked in the head during the restraint of a prisoner in custody at Blackfriars Crown Court in 2015.

An investigation by the HSE that found, among other things, Serco had failed to properly analyse risk intelligence on prisoners and communicate risks and safety precautions to staff. There was also a failure to have sufficient procedures in place and follow them, to provide readily accessible protective equipment, and to ensure further training was provided where identified as required.

There was also a continued failure to:

• adequately staff court activities;

• manage working hours;

• assess risks of violence and aggression;

• communicate safety critical information; and

• have suitable procedures in place and to work in accordance with those procedures.