Kenneth Armitage dies in fatal Huntingdon bathroom incident
Kenneth Armitage dies in fatal Huntingdon bathroom incident
Fatal Huntingdon bathroom death of Kenneth Armitage – Obituary.
Kenneth Armitage, an 81-year-old grandfather known for his kindness, tragically passed away after falling through an unguarded hole in his bathroom floor. While his bathroom was being remodeled into a wet room, workers removed floorboards but neglected to secure the opening. Mr. Armitage fell through and landed on the kitchen floor below.
His son-in-law discovered him deceased the following evening, as reported by Yorkshire Live. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched an investigation into the incident and the construction firm involved.
The renovations were being conducted by Cooper and Westgate at Mr. Armitage’s home on Whitestone Drive in Huntingdon. The floorboards were taken out on February 8, 2019, and he was found the next day.
The investigation revealed that the company failed to properly secure the hole and that its workers had not received adequate training. Additionally, Cooper and Westgate did not conduct a proper risk assessment or develop a suitable method statement for the job.
Mr. Armitage’s daughter, Suzy, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “Our dad, who was taken from us too soon, meant everything to us. He was the kindest person you could ever meet, a wonderful father and a loving grandfather.” She added, “It feels like a terrible nightmare from which I cannot awaken. Our hearts broke that day, and the pain may never fade. This should never have happened.”
On September 17, 2024, Cooper and Westgate Co. Ltd, located in Wakefield, was found guilty of violating the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company received a fine of £150,000 and was ordered to pay £50,000 in costs at Leeds Magistrates’ Court.
HSE inspector Yolande Burns-Sleightholme emphasized the need for employers to thoroughly assess and manage risks associated with openings in homes, stressing the importance of proper training for employees to prevent such tragedies. She noted that this incident could have been avoided if the company had taken the necessary precautions and provided adequate training. The company has been contacted for a statement.
Kenneth Armitage dies in fatal Huntingdon bathroom incident Fatal Huntingdon bathroom death of Kenneth Armitage – Obituary. Kenneth Armitage, an 81-year-old grandfather known for his kindness, tragically passed away after falling through an unguarded hole in his bathroom floor. While his bathroom was being remodeled into a wet room, workers removed floorboards but neglected to…
Kenneth Armitage dies in fatal Huntingdon bathroom incident Fatal Huntingdon bathroom death of Kenneth Armitage – Obituary. Kenneth Armitage, an 81-year-old grandfather known for his kindness, tragically passed away after falling through an unguarded hole in his bathroom floor. While his bathroom was being remodeled into a wet room, workers removed floorboards but neglected to…