Two nursing home owners have been fined after an elderly resident died following a fall from a hoist.

Annie Bradley, 78, was being transported in a sling from her bed to a specialist chair at the home in Leicester in July 2008. During the manoeuvre Miss Bradley fell to the floor, hitting her head. The pensioner, who suffered from Huntingdon’s disease and was immobile, died the following day.

Leicester Crown Court heard the hoist was in such poor condition that it could not be used safely. The stitching on the sling was worn and damaged meaning the support stays that should have supported Miss Bradley’s head could not be used.

HSE found the system of work used by the nurse and care assistant operating the hoist put Miss Bradley at risk of falling from the hoist at any time. The court was also told the training of the two employees in manual handling was limited, and the supervision and assessment of competence in manual handling was not adequate.

The two owners pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. They were both fined £50,000 and both ordered to pay £20,000 costs.