Amey Fined £600,000 Following Legionella Failings

Facilities management company Amey Community Limited was fined £600,000 following health and safety failures connected with Legionella at HMP Lincoln.

The case followed the death of 71-year-old Graham Butterworth, who contracted Legionnaires' disease while serving a prison sentence.

Water samples taken from his cell and nearby shower areas subsequently tested positive for Legionella.

An investigation identified serious shortcomings in the management of the water system.

These included failures to act on a previous Legionella risk assessment, implement an appropriate written control scheme, maintain appropriate water temperatures and adequately monitor the system.

Amey Community pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £600,000 in December 2024.

Having a Legionella risk assessment isn't enough

This case highlights an important point for organisations responsible for water systems.

Identifying a risk does not control it.

A Legionella risk assessment should lead to appropriate actions, monitoring and ongoing management.

Organisations should have clear responsibility for outstanding actions and ensure identified risks do not simply remain recorded without being resolved.

Water sampling can support your control programme

Legionella water testing can help organisations investigate concerns and verify water quality when sampling is appropriate.

Aqua Samples provides UK Legionella water testing kits with UKAS-accredited laboratory analysis, making it straightforward for businesses and property managers to collect and submit water samples.

Need Legionella testing for your property or organisation? Order a water testing kit from Aqua Samples.