Inquest Puts Spotlight On Safety Issues Related To Grills

Households with Beko, Leisure or Flavel cookers have been urged by legal experts to check that their models are not among a number which were subject of a safety warning in 2009, after an inquest highlighted concerns that some people may still own cookers which pose potential risks.

The BBC reports that verdicts of accidental death were recorded into the deaths of Richard Smith and Kevin Branton, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning linked to the Flavel cooker at their property in Saltash.

Speaking at the inquest, a Health and Safety Executive expert Steve Critchlow revealed how the model of cooker had a manufacturing defect which meant that it had a full seal around the grill, an issue which limits oxygen and leads to the production of carbon monoxide.

Beko stated that it had contacted a number of customers but suggested just under 7,000 may not be aware of the issue. It was also revealed during the hearing that five other deaths had been linked to the grill in the past.

Irwin Mitchell represents victims who have been seriously injured by defective products of all kinds, as well as the families of those who have lost loved ones as a result of such problems.

David Urpeth, a product liability claims specialist at the national law firm, said: “It is absolutely vital that lessons are learned from this terrible tragedy, and that everything is done to ensure all households which own the affected cookers are fully aware of this defect.

“Clear concerns have been raised over the suggestions that some homeowners may not be aware that the cooker they own could have a potentially devastating defect which could affect both them and their families.

“Consumers purchase household appliances in the faith that manufacturers and authorities have ensured that such products are safe to use.

“We hope that the terrible problems seen in this case will not be repeated and steps have been taken to ensure testing and regulation of appliances has improved in the aftermath of this incident.”

Our expert personal injury lawyers will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you have been injured or fallen ill as a result of faulty or defective products. See our Defective Product Claims page for more information.