E-mail this to a friendHazardous substance exposure results in £120k fine for firm
Published 22/07/2008
A company has been dealt of fine of £120,000 after it exposed employees to hazardous substances.
During a hearing at Derby crown court, Rolls-Royce - which has a history tracing back to 1884 - pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
In addition to the fine, it was ordered to pay costs of £12,122.
The prosecution relates to incidents which took place between July and October 2005 during which five agency workers were exposed to potassium fluorosilicate, fumes from hot metal cutting and oxides of sulphur.
As a result, they suffered skin rashes and respiratory problems.
A subsequent investigation discovered that the firm had not conducted a proper risk assessment and had not put safe working practices in place.
Commenting on the case, Health and Safety Executive inspector Noelle Walker said: "Employers must ensure that decommissioning work is properly planned to take account of health and safety risks."
For more information, contact our Accidents and Injury department. Or email enquiries@rjw.co.uk
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