HSE decision into Burnley death expected before Xmas

A decision is expected from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) before Christmas on whether the death of a plumber in Preston was due to the council's negligence, a source says.

The HSE began inquiries after a gas plumber fell to his death while working at height on a balcony at a block of flats, the Burnley Citizen reports.

Balcony railings were rotten and inadequate safety provisions were in place, an inquest earlier this year held.

Prompted by the jury's decision, the HSE began its investigation into the accident.

A spokesman for the health and safety watchdog claims this has now been completed and says the organisation is discussing whether any further proceedings should occur.

"We are making a decision over what, if any, action to take," he tells the news provider.

Mr Rae was 55-years old and was a former councillor for the Burnley area.

Yesterday, the Courier reported the HSE announcing it was investigating another accident which has occurred while an employee was working at height in Glenrothes.