Themes | Building & Fire Safety | The Accountability Index

Public Infrastructure Physical Hazards

Dangerous conditions of public infrastructure (e.g., canal bridge steps) and poor lighting, creating significant safety hazards.

966 items 13 sources 7 inquiries

Strongest theme matches

Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.

Indicative ranking
Committee recommendation
86match
#23 - Deteriorating asset condition poses acute risks, impeding hazard reduction and future site operations.
Public Accounts Committee
We explored with the witnesses the implications of assets’ condition for Sellafield Ltd’s plans to address hazards and clean up the site by 2125 and identified four areas of particular concern. Firstly – poor availability of assets has impeded Sellafield Ltd’s ability to address site hazards (such as retrieving waste from the older ponds and silos).60 The poor...
Matched on terms: hazard, public
PFD report
75match
Sidney Martin
May 2014 · North Yorkshire (West)
The dangerous condition of canal bridge steps and poor lighting in the area pose a significant risk to public safety.
Matched on terms: public
PFD report
73match
Sopefoluwa Peters
May 2014 · County Durham & Darlington
Hazardous steps, poorly illuminated and without a handrail, combined with a low riverside safety barrier, created a dangerous environment, especially for intoxicated individuals.
Matched on terms: hazard
PFD report
69match
Adam Connelly
Jul 2015 · Manchester (West)
The low height of walls accessing a railway footbridge allowed easy public access to tracks, creating a significant risk of future fatalities that Network Rail needs to address.
Matched on terms: public
Committee recommendation
69match
#7 - Magnox Swarf Storage Silo's radioactive leak persists, with emptying delayed significantly until 2054-2059.
Public Accounts Committee
We heard from the NDA that the Magnox Swarf Storage Silo is “the most hazardous building in the UK”. It has been leaking radioactive water into the ground since 2018–we calculated, at current rates, enough to fill an Olympic–size swimming pool approximately every three years. The NDA accepted that this leak is its “single biggest environmental issue”. However,...
Matched on terms: hazard, public
Inquiry recommendation
68match
SHEE-54 - Improve prevention of water reaching Ro-Ro ferry vehicle decks during damage
Sheen Inquiry
There is a fourth area which is apparently missing namely:- Improvement in the prevention of water reaching the vehicle deck in the event of damage occurring in realistic seagoing conditions. The latter area is as important as the other three and logically should precede them. It should be emphasised that this Formal Investigation is into the disaster to...
Matched on terms: physical, public
PFD report
65match
Robbie Williamson
Mar 2015 · Lancashire (East)
Concerns exist regarding exposed, raised pipework, potentially attached to bridges, that is accessible to the public and may pose a safety risk.
Matched on terms: public
PFD report
65match
Fred Hudson
May 2015 · West Yorkshire (East)
A disused railway bridge is easily accessible to the public, including children, and no steps have been taken to prevent access despite its location next to a main road.
Matched on terms: public
PFD report
65match
Alexander Hadley
Nov 2015 · North West Wales
The absence of warning signs at a public waterfall meant people were unaware of dangerous currents, creating a risk of further accidental deaths.
Matched on terms: public
Committee recommendation
65match
#16 - Sixteenth Report - Progress in remediating dangerous cladding
Public Accounts Committee
Additional costs may also arrive through wider fire safety issues discovered during remediation works and need correction. The National Audit Office found that cladding inspection has revealed other significant flaws in construction and fire safety in many 42 Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, Building Safety Programme: Monthly Data Release – June 2020, 16 July 2020. 43...
Matched on terms: public
Committee recommendation
65match
#11 - Addressing RAAC risks in government estates diverted resources from other civil service initiatives.
Public Accounts Committee
The NAO reported that civil service resources for other initiatives have been diverted to deal with risks relating to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) across government.18 We asked the Cabinet Office about RAAC and how it has impacted the delivery of the work. The OGP told us that resources were diverted as it needed to coordinate efforts across...
Matched on terms: public
PFD report
61match
Ryan Pettengell
Mar 2014 · Norfolk
Despite official closure and prior safety recommendations following multiple drownings, the site remains accessible to the public with damaged/missing signage and no implemented safety improvements.
Matched on terms: public
PFD report
61match
Ahmad Khan
Jun 2014 · South Yorkshire (West)
Easy access to a low perimeter wall, facilitated by a nearby barrier, creates a dangerous fall hazard for individuals, including children.
Matched on terms: hazard
PFD report
61match
Gary Daltry
Jul 2014 · North Wales (East & Central)
An unmitigated tripping hazard poses a significant risk of falls and potential future deaths if not addressed.
Matched on terms: hazard
PFD report
61match
Jake Johnson
Sep 2014 · Cheshire
Unrestricted public access to a motorway due to open steps and damaged boundary fencing, compounded by a lack of warning signs, especially near a children's play area.
Matched on terms: public
Committee recommendation
61match
#3 - Publish annual report on effectiveness of resident-centric remediation, dispute resolution, and Code of Practice adherence.
Public Accounts Committee
We are appalled that those living in affected buildings continue to suffer an unacceptable financial and emotional toll. Far too many people continue to feel trapped in unsafe homes, many facing financial uncertainty and many unable to sell their homes and move on with their lives. Residents face ongoing delays to works starting, often due to disputes over...
Matched on terms: public
Committee recommendation
61match
#15 - Ministry of Defence reviewing housing estate to address poor conditions and recruitment issues.
Public Accounts Committee
We raised concerns about the Ministry of Defence housing estate.26 The Chief Executive of the DIO told us that the Ministry is undertaking a review of the housing estate in order to address poor condition. As part of the review, it is considering maintenance, private funding, disposals and redevelopment.27 Prioritising this review will be important for addressing ongoing...
Matched on terms: public
PFD report
57match
Mitchell Clifton
May 2014 · Staffordshire South
The wide access way to a car park, shared by pedestrians and vehicles, has a potentially unsafe layout that could be improved with better markings or physical dividers.
Matched on terms: physical
PFD report
57match
Charles Hardiman
Jun 2014 · Teesside
An open front door created a wind tunnel, causing the back door of a public house to move forcibly and suddenly, leading to an accident.
Matched on terms: public
PFD report
57match
Kai Lambe
Oct 2014 · Staffordshire South
Inadequate safety measures and insufficient warning signage at a dangerous weir and salmon chute put children playing in the area at significant risk.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
57match
Hilary Moock and Janice Taylor
Jan 2015 · West Sussex
An ancient, high-risk rural road with poor design, unlit conditions, and a difficult, low-visibility entrance creates a dangerous situation for turning vehicles.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
57match
John Darling
Feb 2015 · Isle of Wight
An unguarded platform edge at a cafe, coupled with a slight incline, presents a serious fall hazard for patrons, particularly vulnerable individuals, which planning authorities failed to mitigate.
Matched on terms: hazard
PFD report
57match
Paul Littlewood
May 2015 · South Yorkshire (West)
Gantry safety barriers were too low, lacked an intermediate crossbar and toe-plate, and fall protection at the access ladder was inadequate, creating significant fall risks.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
57match
Colette Hughes
Jun 2015 · London (South)
An easily accessible wall, despite meeting regulations, has been the site of multiple deaths and poses a danger, particularly to impaired individuals. Physical modifications may be necessary to prevent future fatalities.
Matched on terms: physical
Committee recommendation
57match
#9 - Fifteenth Report - Improving the prison estate
Public Accounts Committee
Lack of investment has also resulted in severe maintenance backlogs within the prison estate. As at April 2019, HMPPS had around 63,200 outstanding maintenance jobs. HMPPS also estimated that it would cost £916 million to address its backlog of major capital works. It forecasts that it will need to spend £194 million each year over the next 25...
Matched on terms: public
Committee recommendation
57match
#18 - Sixteenth Report - Progress in remediating dangerous cladding
Public Accounts Committee
Leaseholders in blocks with dangerous cladding have had their properties valued nil, making it impossible for them to sell or remortgage. This issue was raised with us many times in written evidence from across the sector and confidentially from residents.54 It is unacceptable that leaseholders are in effect ‘mortgage prisoners’, through no fault of their own. The Department...
Matched on terms: public
Committee recommendation
57match
#14 - Sixteenth Report - Progress in remediating dangerous cladding
Public Accounts Committee
Living in unsafe buildings has clearly impacted residents’ mental well-being. According to a survey undertaken by UK Cladding Action Group, of the 550 residents that took part, nine out of ten leaseholders in flats with unsafe cladding say their mental health has deteriorated as a direct result.44 We received written evidence confidentially from residents of affected buildings which...
Matched on terms: public
Committee recommendation
57match
#16 - Sixth Report - The Health and Safety Executive’s approach to asbestos management
Work and Pensions Committee
We recommend that HSE works with others in government to develop a central digital register of asbestos in non-domestic buildings, describing its location and type. In the first instance, the concept of a central register could be tested using asbestos data from public buildings such as schools and hospitals. In the meantime, we also recommend that HSE conducts...
Matched on terms: public
Committee recommendation
57match
#5 - Sixth Report - The Health and Safety Executive’s approach to asbestos management
Work and Pensions Committee
We recommend that HSE develops and implements a robust research framework for the systematic measurement of current asbestos exposures in non-domestic buildings, using a range of measurement and sampling techniques and informed by international experiences and approaches. It should ensure that adequate consideration is given to exposure measurement in schools and other public buildings. We recommend that HSE...
Matched on terms: public
PFD report
53match
Wade Patel
Oct 2014 · Leicester City & South Leicestershire
Outdated glass in older rented properties poses a significant safety risk as there is no legal requirement for landlords to proactively check or replace it unless it breaks or during refurbishment.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
53match
Mark Burdett
Jan 2015 · Warwickshire
A lack of signage warning motorists about a concealed entrance posed a significant safety risk, especially for traffic approaching from a particular direction.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
53match
Joyce Plested
Aug 2015 · Manchester (South)
The unsafe positioning of a zebra crossing too close to a mini-roundabout creates a high-risk junction for pedestrians and drivers, and a simple relocation would significantly improve safety.
Matched on classifier match
Committee recommendation
53match
#5 - 5th Report - MoD follow-up Spring 2026
Public Accounts Committee
The Department is placing unrealistic expectations on how soldiers operate Ajax vehicles safely when it has still not resolved the underlying noise and vibration issues. In November 2025 Exercise TITAN STORM was stopped when 33 soldiers reported symptoms from noise and vibration after operating in Ajax armoured vehicles. Five soldiers were still under medical review when the Department...
Matched on terms: public
Committee recommendation
53match
#19 - HMPPS extended Dartmoor lease despite radon, requiring further investment for reopening
Public Accounts Committee
To help with capacity pressures, HMPPS recently extended its lease for HMP Dartmoor by 25 years, starting in 2023–24, despite the detection of radon gas in 2020. It closed the prison temporarily in July 2024, following the detection of high radon readings.66 Given the likely substantial costs involved with any remediation, we asked HMPPS whether it had negotiated...
Matched on terms: public
Committee recommendation
53match
#23 - Millions of residents trapped in unsafe, unsellable flats face severe financial and emotional hardship
Public Accounts Committee
As many as 3 million people may have been affected by the cladding crisis. The NAO found that residents continue to suffer ongoing financial and emotional consequences. In its written evidence to us, End Our Cladding Scandal (EOCS) told us that the lives of thousands of ordinary people had been drastically altered through no fault of their own....
Matched on terms: public
Committee recommendation
53match
#12 - OGP developing expertise to identify and prevent future property risks from new construction methods.
Public Accounts Committee
We questioned whether government is adequately prepared to prevent future risks, similar to the sudden emergence of RAAC and asbestos, from affecting property unexpectedly. The OGP stated that it has a clear picture of RAAC and asbestos across all of government. It is now bringing together knowledge and expertise in order to better support departments in identifying risks,...
Matched on terms: public
Inquiry recommendation
53match
FENN-69 - Survey system materials, evaluate risks, and remove hazardous materials programme
Fennell Inquiry
London Underground shall survey materials present on the system, evaluate the risks involved from those materials and devise a programme to remove those which constitute a hazard.
Matched on terms: hazard
IMB recommendation
52match
Wormwood Scrubs (2024)
What further support will the Minister provide to rectify issues with the antiquated buildings and infrastructure to improve living conditions and safety in the prison?
Matched on terms: infrastructure
PFD report
49match
Joseph Drew Whiteside
Dec 2013 · Staffordshire (South)
Numerous drownings of intoxicated individuals in the River Trent highlight the need for improved safety measures, such as fencing and warning signs, at main access points.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
49match
Dr Edward Slaney
Jan 2014 · West Yorkshire (East)
There is a lack of established criteria and guidance for planning authorities to assess the wind effects of tall buildings on the safety of all highway users.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
49match
Sidney Harvey
Feb 2014 · South Lincolnshire
Non-safety glass doors in rented properties, particularly where vulnerable individuals reside, pose a risk, and there is no clear system for their replacement or safety upgrade.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
49match
Doris Taylor
Apr 2014 · Manchester (South)
The coroner noted that staff training should include a full and clear understanding as to what constitutes a reportable incident and the managers should be aware of their duty to report such. The door-closers on all doors should be in a safe working condition.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
49match
Ernest Harper
May 2014 · Bedfordshire & Luton
Design flaws allowed falling between the safety barrier and vehicle, compounded by the lack of formal assessment for passenger health and mobility for safe access.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
49match
Harold Henshall
May 2014 · Stoke-on-Trent & North Staffordshire
Inadequate street lighting and crossing facilities on Church Street, especially near St Edwards Church, increased the risk to elderly pedestrians crossing the road.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
49match
Sophie Allen
Jun 2014 · Sunderland
Looped blind cords continue to pose a serious strangulation risk to young children, with existing installations in homes lacking the improved safety features of new standards.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
49match
William France
Sep 2014 · Somerset (West)
Railway crossing barriers malfunctioned due to a single-arm treddle, causing long delays. Drivers also faced obstructed visibility and a poorly located emergency telephone.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
49match
Aaron Plowman
Sep 2014 · London (Inner South)
Unblocked access points to commercial unit roofs under railway arches allow unauthorized persons to climb from the street, posing a safety risk.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
49match
Victoria Rhodes
Sep 2014 · Milton Keynes
High speed limits on grid roads in Milton Keynes where pedestrians have access, necessitating a review of the existing speed limits for safety.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
49match
Gavin Bradley, Mark Thorpe and Darren Thorpe
Oct 2014 · Northumberland (South)
Unsafe weir design lacks specific channels for kayaks and suitable upstream landing areas, coupled with insufficient warnings, risking water users' safety.
Matched on classifier match
PFD report
49match
Stephen Simpson
Oct 2014 · Northumberland (North)
The building's design, featuring smooth concrete stairs without non-slip surfaces and no lobby to cushion falls, creates a serious risk of injury or death from impact with the external door.
Matched on classifier match
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