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Mental Health Charity Penalized Following the Death of a Support Worker


After a worker’s death, an enlisted charity has been penalized ₤30,000 with damages amounting to ₤20,000. The charity is located in the North-East and is named Mental Health Matters Ltd.

Service user Ronald Dixon assaulted and murdered Ashleigh Ewing, who was almost 23 years old and an employee of Mental Health Matters, in 2006.

It was the responsibility of Mental Health Matters to render its support and residence assistance to mentally challenged people. They accepted the charge that was levied on them by the Health and Safety Executive for violation of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and acceded that they were unsuccessful in providing sufficient security to Ms Ewing.

Justice Keith of the Newcastle Crown Court listened as the prosecutor told him that Ashleigh Ewing was assaulted and murdered when she was visiting Ronald Dixon at his residence which is in Heaton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne on that fateful day of 19 May 2006. Ashleigh had commenced her job with Mental Health Matters exactly six months before the day when she was killed. Tragically the assault happened on the last day of her apprenticeship period.

The prosecuting attorney informed Mr. Justice Keith that in relation to Ashleigh’s business with Mr. Dixon there had been some undeniable peril that she had to face, since she was an employee of Mental Health Matters. The Court also listened to the fact that Mr. Dixon was a victim of failing mental health and Mental Health Matters was unsuccessful in reacting to the cautionary signs. The prosecutor informed the court that Mental Health Matters had been unsuccessful in providing adequate safety measures to Ashleigh in connection with her job.

The integration of good health and safety management systems is an essential principle of any business. Companies need to be sure that they are giving the correct instructions to employees with regard to health and safety issues. NEBOSH courses leading to a National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health, from Workplace Law are designed to give managers and supervisors all they need to know to help their organisation find the best ways to lead and promote health and safety.

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