Company and director fined by Health & Safety Executive for putting workers at risk

A West Midlands engineering company and its managing director have been fined for failing to protect their workers from welding fume.

HSE inspectors found the company had failed to put in place appropriate precautions to control the exposure of mild steel welding fume from metal inert gas (MIG) welding taking place at the site.

Breathing in welding fume can lead to asthma, pneumonia and lung cancer.

The company could have sustained compliance with the notices by ensuring that industry standard controls for the welding were provided and maintained at the site. These controls would have likely included a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

Associated Metalmasters Limited, of Grazebrook Industrial Park, Peartree Lane, Dudley, West Midlands, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 7(1) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. The company was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £3,896.30 in costs at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on 13 September 2023.

HSE inspector Heather Campbell said: “There are clear dangers from welding fume – remaining compliant with the law is not something that can tail off over time. This case shows prosecution will be considered if that happens.”

At Crownford we can help keep your employees safe and your business safe from HSE fines, contact us today on 0871 22 616 22 to see how we can help you!