Health & Safety Update (October 2009)
Three breaches of COSHH led to life changing condition
A company has been fined £27,500 and ordered to pay costs of
£10,700, at Southampton Crown Court, after pleading guilty to three
breaches of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations (as amended) 2002.
The Eastleigh based company pleaded guilty to charges relating
to incidents which took place between 3rd January 2006 and 17th
March 2008, when managers failed to control the risks of exposing
employees to hazardous substances, including a known skin
irritant.
This resulted in one employee suffering from severe dermatitis,
which the court heard had a huge impact on his life - he was
required to take retirement on medical grounds and his future
employment prospects are now limited.
The case is a reminder to companies of the importance of managing
dermatitis risks through effective risk assessments and taking
adequate precautions to ensure that employees are not exposed to
hazardous substances at work.
Dermatitis is not just a 'bit of a rash' which can be ignored but a
painful, debilitating and as this case proves, a life-changing
condition which can be easily avoided.
All employers should undertake risk assessments that correctly
identify all of the significant risks, including those to health,
and as a result ensure that an appropriate package of measures
including physical safeguards, safe systems of work, protective
clothing, consistent training and appropriate health surveillance
are provided for the safety of all workers.
Mentor can offer you an integrated occupational health service -
call the advice line or your dedicated Consultant for more
details.