Agency workers not given adequate training

A company has been fined after three workers were taken to hospital following a chemical incident at a vegetable grower and supplier.

In September 2009, a Latvian agency worker was cleaning food processing machinery when he accidentally mixed two cleaning chemicals. They reacted together to produce toxic gas. The factory was evacuated and three workers were taken to hospital with breathing difficulties.

The court heard that the company had failed to provide suitable and sufficient information and instruction to the worker about the risks from the incorrect use of chemicals.

HSE inspector Jo Anderson said, "This incident was entirely preventable had the company ensured that all agency workers were given adequate information, instruction and training. Our investigation also showed that there was almost no consideration given to the fact that some of the workers understood no or very little English. As a direct result, three workers were taken to hospital for treatment and were lucky not to be more seriously harmed."

Remember this if you employ foreign workers who have a limited command of the English language.