Accessability Links
latest news
Learning outside the classroom taster sessions
  ... 17/05/2012
Planning an LOtC Curriculum - continuous professional development training
... 01/05/2012
ATOL Update
Changes to ATOL that take effect today do not go far enough say MPs 29 April 2012 Chang... 01/05/2012
News Archive
Quality

Coroner calls for safety review of gap year adventures

A coroner has asked the government to review international adventure holiday companies' safety procedures.

It follows the death of a 17-year-old student from Manchester, Luke Molnar, on a conservation trip to Fiji.

There are now concerns that new regulations, designed to set minimum requirements and safeguard travellers, are in fact toothless.

A government spokeswoman said a minister would respond to the coroner's concerns in due course.

Stockport coroner John Pollard recorded a verdict of unlawful killing at Luke's inquest.

He was electrocuted after touching a metal washing line on the remote Fijian island of Tokoriki.

Mr Pollard criticised the company which had organised the trip, Coral Cay Conservation, saying its safety arrangements were "weak, ineffectual and of very little use".

The company had produced literature saying the trips would have medical support, and that Coral Cay Conservation placed great emphasis on safety.

In fact the nearest doctor was on another island, and the expedition leader said at the inquest that she had not had any health and safety training.

Now Mr Pollard has written to the business secretary, Vince Cable, asking him to review the regulation of companies offering overseas adventure travel.

Mr Cable has to reply within 56 days to explain what action he intends to take.

See full story here: BBC News