Glass Maker Fined Over Lead Contamination

Manufacturing companies across the UK have been urged by a leading workplace injury and illness expert to ensure they do everything they can to control any potential risks faced by employees.

David Urpeth of Irwin Mitchell made the call following a prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive, which led to glass maker Staffordshire Crystal being fined £3,600 after its property in Brierley Hill was found to contain a level of lead contamination above the exposure limit.

Six improvement notices were issued to the company after a routine inspection of the premises highlighted the problem, with the contamination level seen as a risk to both those on the factory floor and in office areas.

Workplace injury and illness expert David Urpeth said: “Exposure to lead materials can have a significant impact on both the health and wellbeing of workers.

“This case demonstrates just how important risk assessments are in everyday working life. It is very worrying that the HSE inspection led to six improvement notices. Worker safety needs to be higher up companies’ agendas.”