Joinery firm fined for failing to protect its workers
Britain’s workplace regulator fined a joinery firm in Middlesbrough £10,000, after an unannounced visit revealed multiple health and safety breaches.
Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited Abbey Joinery and Manufacture at its Road site. During the inspection, they identified multiple failings relating to the company’s wood dust control and electrical system maintenance. Consequently, these failings unnecessarily exposed employees to risks.
Wood dust causes serious health problems
Inhaling excessive wood dust causes asthma and nasal cancer.
Tip: HSE provides guidance for the woodworking industry, covering (COSHH) Regulations 2002; exposure limits; extraction; and health surveillance.
HSE inspector Darian Dundas said: “Wood dust causes serious health problems.
“Notably, It causes asthma, which carpenters and joiners develop four times more than other UK workers.
“Furthermore, clear health and safety guidance helps businesses adequately control wood dust exposure.
HSE finds failures in electrical installations
The HSE inspection also found failures in the company’s electrical installations, including both fixed and portable appliances and machinery. In addition, Exposed wiring carried the potential to put workers at risk of serious injury, or worse, from electric shock.
Tip: Read the HSE guidance regarding: electrical safety.
Darian Dundas continued: “Companies must carry out vital maintenance to ensure electrical system safety.
“Moreover, A preventative maintenance programme must include equipment inspection and testing.
“As a result of the severity, Specialist inspectors with deep knowledge in electrical safety supported this investigation.
Abbey Joinery and Manufacture Limited, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £10,000 with £4,428 costs by Teesside Magistrates’ Court.
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