Falmouth Harbour Commissioners have fallen foul of the Health and Safety Executive after local boat owner Andrew Campbell reported the commissioners to the HSE regarding what he felt were faulty ladders on North Quay and Customs House Quay.

Georgina Speake, HM Inspector of Health and Safety, met with harbour staff to inspect the quayside ladders and one option discussed was the feasibility of pontoons which would eliminate the need for ladders altogether, but also the removal of berths may be considered as another option by FHC.

In letters to Mr Campbell, Georgina Speake, said: “I can confirm that my inspection identified that FHC did not have any risk assessments in place. They did have an inspection regime, but this was not effective as some of the quayside ladders were in need of repair, repegging or replacing. It may be an option that FHC choose to remove ladders and only provide those necessary for self rescue purposes.”

Enforcement action was then taken against FHC by HSE regarding the matter.

Captain Mark Sansom, chief executive and harbour master, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, said: “In May we received notification from the Health and Safety Executive relating to the health and safety management system of the quay ladders and were asked to make improvements.

"This work has already been completed, ahead of schedule, and we are simply waiting for formal notification from the Health and Safety Executive that they are satisfied with the improvements. We will continue to review the safety management of our infrastructure to ensure the safety of everyone using our facilities.”