Safety first

With the tragic death of Mrs Alison Hume (your report, 3 March) after falling down a disused mine shaft the question which needs to be raised is have we now become a nation which follows in the footsteps of USA where avoidance of litigation is the main concern of corporate bodies?

Although we require health and safety regulations for protection, apparently the rules did not protect Mrs Hume. It beggars belief that rules allow firemen to use rope lifting equipment for emergency personnel but not for the public.

How many more rules and regulations could result in further tragedies?

IAN BROWN

Livingston