A recent report has revealed that a three-year old boy had his head trapped between an electric security gate and the gate post at a Bournemouth primary school. Health and safety officials are still investigating the incident at Healthlands Primary School in Andrews Close, Kinson, which occurred back in January. They have since made a series of recommendations which have prompted Bournemouth council to order a review of safety at all its sites with electric gates.
The case, recorded as a “near miss” by the council, echoes a series of similar incidents in which children have been injured or killed by electric gates, and has prompted the Health and Safety Executive to issue new safety advice on the subject. It is understood that the child was not seriously injured, but the HSE were informed and four inspectors visited the school in April and May. According to a council report, the HSE had asked for a number of issues to be addressed, all of which have been carried out. They also requested and received a number of documents.
An HSE spokesperson confirmed that an investigation was continuing, but was unable to say how much longer it would take. Neil Goddard, service director for children’s strategic services said, “We can confirm than an incident took place on 6 January 2010 at Heathlands Primary School in which a child’s head became caught between an electric gate and the gate post. Following a thorough review of the incident, modifications have been made to the gate to ensure a similar incident could not occur again.”
He continued, “All electric gates at council-operated sites have also been audited to ensure that these do not present any risk. We are working closely with the HSE who is investigating.”
Further information on the HSE issued safety advice on electric gates can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/electricgates2.htm.
