Coroner sends prevention of future deaths report to landlord after death of older resident due to fall

The investigation found that nearly a month before the incident, contractors employed by Sanctuary had moved boxes from the loft into her living room so they could carry out works.

The items left only a narrow walkway in the area and restricted the 88-year-old’s ability to move safely around her home.

They were not removed despite requests by Ms Oliver and her family, the inquest heard.

After falling, Ms Oliver was later found injured in the confined space between her armchair and the stacked boxes.

Her death was ruled an accident and the coroner made it clear that it was not possible to determine whether the boxes caused the fall, and no such finding was made.

But Mr Graham said the evidence showed that storing the boxes in the room for a prolonged time created a mobility hazard in the home, adding that this was “significant” especially for an older tenant who might be more vulnerable.

He said there appeared to be no clear policy governing how long items should be stored in living areas for necessary works or what mitigation there should be when the storage is long term.

Sanctuary said: “We co-operated fully with the inquest and our thoughts remain with Mrs Oliver’s family following their loss. We will ensure that the concerns raised in the notice from the coroner are addressed in full.”

The landlord is required to provide a response to the report within 56 days outlining the actions it will take to prevent a similar incident in future.