Safety breach fine after death at Manchester care home

The manager of a care home in Altrincham has appeared in court for breaching the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Karen Sykes who was the duty manager of the Oldfield Bank Residential Care Home in Highgate Road, Altrincham was accused of not carrying out a full search of the building when a fire alarm was activated in the building in May 2009.  An elderly resident died following the fire.

Although the alarm went off at around 6pm, it was then silenced. Shortly after that, a fire was discovered and the emergency services were alerted at 7.15pm.  When the fire service arrived at the scene they discovered that the alarm had been switched to silence mode.

Judge Justice Lakin of Manchester Crown Court said: “My duty is clear. I have to apply the law. As the manager of the care home it was Sykes responsibility for the fire alarm and evacuation.”

Karen Sykes was fined £500 and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.

Peter O’Reilly, Assistant County Fire Officer from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “This case clearly highlights and enforces the message that employees have a duty to ensure the safety of the people they are looking after. This behaviour simply isn’t acceptable and we should not forget that an elderly resident in Sykes care died that night. This is the first time an employee has been prosecuted under this legislation, as opposed to the employer, and I am proud of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue for bringing this about.”