Finding into death of Peter George Starkie
Deceased
Peter George Starkie
Demographics
72y, male
Date of death
2020-09-14
Finding date
2021-08-02
Cause of death
Multiple injuries sustained in a fall from a height
AI-generated summary
Peter Starkie, aged 72, died from multiple injuries sustained in a fall from a roof while cleaning a skylight at his partner's property in Shepparton. He fell approximately three metres onto concrete, sustaining fatal head injuries including subdural and subarachnoid haemorrhage, spinal fractures, and rib fractures. The coroner noted this death as part of a broader pattern of preventable fall-related deaths in Victoria, with 24 deaths from roof falls during DIY work between 2006-2016. The coroner commended existing Ladder Safety Matters campaigns but directed the Department of Health to review messaging and communication methods for future campaigns. No clinical error was identified; the death resulted from an accidental fall during home maintenance without appropriate safety equipment.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Fall from roof approximately three metres onto concrete
- Absence of safety equipment during home maintenance activity
- Climbing ladder to clean roof without proper precautions
- Possible altered mental state or weakness noted before the fall
Coroner's recommendations
- Direct a copy of this finding be provided to the Secretary of the Department of Health for consideration and review in determining the messaging and communication methods of future ladder safety and fall prevention campaigns
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