Housing group hit with six-figure fine for endangering residents’ health
Sanctuary Housing has been fined after an outbreak of legionella at its sheltered housing in Birkenhead, which endangered vulnerable residents.
The bacteria was found at Vincent Naughton Court during water system testing in July and August 2018.
All 44 samples taken were positive for legionella, leading to the evacuation of residents in August 2018. They returned in October and November after a chlorination unit was installed to treat the water.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that the Worcester-based housing association poorly managed the legionella risk, with insufficient training and supervision for staff.
The residents were particularly vulnerable due to their age and health issues.
The investigation found that legionella was detected in tests on July 16 and 31, prompting Sanctuary Housing to inform residents of planned work on August 6.
However, a misleading letter on August 3 suggested that contaminated tap water could be safely stored and boiled, while failing to warn residents to avoid using showers, increasing their risk of Legionnaires’ disease.
Additional testing on August 8 and 15 confirmed the presence of legionella, leading to the residents’ evacuation on August 24.
Sanctuary Housing Association, based in Worcester, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The company was fined £900,000 and ordered to pay £11,480.60 in costs at Liverpool Crown Court on October 22, 2024.
HSE inspector Rose Leese-Weller said: “Sanctuary Housing failed to protect vulnerable residents living at Vincent Naughton Court through its mismanagement of the site’s water system. Fortunately, none of the residents became ill as they were allowed, without any proper warnings, to continue to use the grossly contaminated water for a long period. Not only was there a failure by Sanctuary Housing to manage the risk of contamination in its water systems, but the company had not provided its staff with adequate instruction and training.”
The prosecution was led by HSE enforcement lawyer Kate Harney, with support from HSE paralegal officer Lucy Gallagher.
