Council admits safety breach after man choked to death
Council chiefs have admitted health and safety breaches following a man's death shortly after choking at a day centre.
Lawyers representing Shropshire Council made the admission at a hearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday in relation to the death of 53-year-old Michael Breeze.
Mr Breeze died in hospital in September 5 2012 after choking while at the council-run Hartley's Day Centre in Monkmoor, Shrewsbury.
The council pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Sentencing is due to take place on January 8.
It comes after the Health and Safety Executive launched an investigation into Mr Breeze's death two years ago.
An inquest previously ruled Mr Breeze's death had been "accidental" and that it was "possible, not probable" that it could have been prevented had different risk assessment procedures been carried out.
No formal recommendations were made in the coroner's report to the council, due to its existing "robust" action plan.
According to a Shropshire Council health and safety report, Mr Breeze was given first aid at the day centre during a choking incident at lunchtime and taken to hospital, where he died.
When the HSE investigation was launched, Stephen Chandler, director of adult services with Shropshire Council, said: "We were very saddened by the tragic accidental death of Michael Breeze at Hartley's Day Centre in September 2012, and it was an extremely sad and difficult time for everyone.
"A thorough internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Michael's death was carried out by the council and the findings were reported to the coroner and to the HSE.
"All of the actions identified in our internal investigation have been implemented, and we have worked with the HSE to support their investigation."
Mr Chandler added: "It's important to stress that ensuring the safety of vulnerable people is our utmost priority, and safeguards are put in place to protect each individual."
Mr Breeze lived in Kempsfield Residential Home in Shrewsbury, which caters for adults with learning disabilities, but was attending the day centre on the day in question.
