Hampshire Company Admits Health And Safety Breaches

Manufacturing company Brooks Crownhill Patternmakers has been fined £7,000 and ordered to pay costs after admitting a series of regulatory breaches in relation to protecting workers from vibration, noise and dust.

The prosecution came after an inspection by the Health and Safety Executive identified that risks to the issues were not being either adequately managed or controlled, meaning workers experienced a range of symptoms which needed further monitoring.

The Andover-based company admitted to breaches of the Health and Safety At Work etc Act 1974, as well as the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 and two breaches of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.

Michael Baxter, HSE inspector, said the company failed to “fully control the numerous risks arising from its business activities”.

He added that significant changes had been made regarding risk management and occupational health monitoring since the inspection.

If you or a loved one has suffered from hearing damage such as acoustic shock, tinnitus, and noise-induced hearing loss caused by conditions at work our solicitors could help you claim compensation. See our Industrial Disease Claims page for more information.

Expert Opinion

Our work on behalf of a huge number of people who have suffered as a result of workplace injury and illness means we have seen the devastating consequences that lapses in health and safety can have on victims. <br/> <br/>"Sadly, this is yet another case where an employer has failed to properly consider and take action in relation to very serious risks posed to their staff. <br/> <br/>"Exposure to noise can have a long-term impact on a person’s hearing, while issues related to vibration can lead to significantly difficult syndromes which affect a victim for the rest of their lives. Dust exposure can also lead to the development of conditions including occupational asthma. <br/> <br/>"It is absolutely vital that a case of this nature is held up as an important example as to why employers have to ensure the health and wellbeing of their staff is always a priority. Lessons must be learned from cases of this nature to ensure the same problems are not repeated."