Activity centres warned over safety training

An activity centre has failed to provide adequate safety training for its staff and been fined after a child was injured using a climbing wall during a school trip.

Eight-year-old Mickey Carter-Browne fell six metres at the Kingswood Activity Centre and broke his ankle.

The centre is being fined £12,000, with nearly £11,000 in costs, after pleading guilty.

Chief inspector of the Health and Safety Executive, Steve Gill, says the accident would have been preventable if the proper procedures had been followed.

He also believes the child's injury would have been avoided if the staff had been given effective safety training and supervision.

Mr Gill says: "It is important to remember that the adventure activities sector as a whole has almost always demonstrated good practices in risk assessment and management, allowing activities to take place safely and enjoyably."

The Kingswood Activity Centre is a member of the government's 'Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto' that believes "every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom".