Public Infrastructure Physical Hazards
Dangerous conditions of public infrastructure (e.g., canal bridge steps) and poor lighting, creating significant safety hazards.
934 items
13 sources
7 inquiries
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
86match
#23 - Deteriorating asset condition poses acute risks, impeding hazard reduction and future site operations.
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
Committee recommendation
82match
#9 - Poor government property maintenance significantly disrupts public services and drives rising costs.
Well–maintained government properties are more cost–effective than poorly maintained buildings. They contribute to a better experience for the public and higher levels of wellbeing and productivity for staff. Poor property maintenance can result in water leaks, collapsing ceilings, fire alarm faults and other building failures.14 These risks have already materialised across government property and resulted, for instance, in...
Matched on
terms: infrastructure, public
Committee recommendation
77match
#2 - Mandate departments to include explicit risk analysis in their updated Strategic Asset Management Plans.
The poor condition of some property and the failure to maintain it is regularly affecting the provision of key public services. Risks relating to property condition have materialised, taking property out of use and impacting functionality of properties such as prison cells, law courts, schools, hospitals, defence estate and museums. Over 4,100 cells closed due to dilapidation and...
Matched on
terms: infrastructure, public
PFD report
75match
Sidney Martin
The dangerous condition of canal bridge steps and poor lighting in the area pose a significant risk to public safety.
Matched on
terms: public
Committee recommendation
74match
#10 - Water mains replacement rates are unsustainable, threatening environmental health and infrastructure.
Water companies have a large and extensive network of assets that they are responsible for maintaining, including reservoirs, treatment works, pumping stations, and water supply and sewer pipes. Ofwat published a targeted review of asset health in 2017, followed up by work on asset management maturity in 2021. In December 2024, it published a Roadmap for enhancing asset...
Matched on
terms: infrastructure, public
PFD report
73match
Sopefoluwa Peters
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
#11 - Addressing RAAC risks in government estates diverted resources from other civil service initiatives.
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
Committee recommendation
65match
#10 - Government acknowledges poor property condition as an unacceptable risk to civil service delivery.
The government has identified poor property condition as a significant risk. The Civil Service Board, which supports the strategic leadership of the civil service, considers unsafe property to be one of the risks to the civil service’s ability to deliver the government’s objectives, and assesses it to be outside of its appetite, that is, beyond the level of...
Matched on
terms: public
Committee recommendation
65match
#24 - New volunteer estate maintenance contract experiencing initial performance issues.
Since August 2024, the maintenance and repair of the volunteer estate has been brought under the Department-wide Future Defence Infrastructure Services (FDIS) estate maintenance contract; previously, each RFCA had delivered these services through local contracts. This was intended to improve compliance, management information and supplier performance monitoring for the estate.36 There have been some initial teething problems, with...
Matched on
terms: infrastructure, public
Committee recommendation
65match
#28 - Detail plans for revitalising the Jobcentre estate, ensuring adaptability and co-location of services.
In its response to this report, DWP should set out how it will use its increased capital funds to revitalise the Jobcentre estate. DWP needs to make more of its Jobcentre spaces and it should make sure that the physical infrastructure is adaptable to local needs and can support co- location of services. It should also explain how...
Matched on
terms: infrastructure, physical
PFD report
61match
Ryan Pettengell
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
#16 - Sixth Report - The Health and Safety Executive’s approach to asbestos management
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
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
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
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
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.
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classifier match
Committee recommendation
53match
#19 - HMPPS extended Dartmoor lease despite radon, requiring further investment for reopening
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
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.
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
Committee recommendation
53match
#3 - Improve departmental property plans through regular assessment and Ministry of Defence housing estate strategy.
Many departments’ property plans lack the information necessary to manage and maintain their portfolios. Departments are required to prepare Strategic Asset Management Plans (SAMPs) to consider the totality of their assets and document their planned approach to managing maintenance and disposals in the longer term, including documenting any property risks and how they plan to manage and mitigate...
Matched on
terms: public
Committee recommendation
53match
#25 - Unanticipated VAT liability reduced RFCA volunteer estate maintenance funds.
The Department had not anticipated that the RFCAs would be liable to pay VAT on work done through the FDIS contract, which has resulted in the RFCAs having had less money available for maintenance than expected. The Department explained that the crux of the issue was ownership of the estate which had been built up over 100 years...
Matched on
terms: public
Committee recommendation
53match
#22 - Volunteer estate in managed decline, requiring optimisation programme to dispose and modernise sites.
The Department said that the volunteer estate was a critical enabler for it to deliver the ambitions for increasing the numbers of reserves and cadets set out in the SDR. However, the Department told us that the estate had been in a state of managed decline, and that it had too many sites, some of which are not...
Matched on
terms: public
Committee recommendation
53match
#5 - Integrate volunteer estate needs into defence investment plan and report on RFCA VAT progress.
The Department does not have a modernised and fit-for-purpose volunteer estate to support the enhanced roles of the reserves and cadets. The reserve training sites are the basis for mobilising the reserves, while having accommodation for thousands of cadet units to operate across the UK provides an important, nationwide presence. However, the volunteer estate has been in a...
Matched on
terms: public
Inquiry recommendation
53match
FENN-69 - Survey system materials, evaluate risks, and remove hazardous materials programme
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
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
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
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
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.
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classifier match
PFD report
49match
Ernest Harper
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.
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classifier match
PFD report
49match
Harold Henshall
Inadequate street lighting and crossing facilities on Church Street, especially near St Edwards Church, increased the risk to elderly pedestrians crossing the road.
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classifier match
PFD report
49match
Sophie Allen
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