23/03/2010 - Firm fined over lead poisoning case
A Perthshire company has been fined £10,000 after two workers suffered acute lead poisoning and were admitted to hospital.
Blairish Restorations Limited pleaded guilty to offences under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The Health and Safety Executive warned companies and workers of the dangers of exposure to lead paint while working.
The company was fined £10,000 by Perth Sheriff Court after it failed to protect its workers during a renovation project at Findynate House, Findynate Estate, Strathtay.
The company didn't identify that lead paint was present during the project and failed to ensure suitable precautions were taken whilst the old paintwork was sanded down and removed.
Consequently, workers inhaled and ingested lead dust over several months during the summer of 2008. The dust was also spread to workers' homes, potentially endangering workers' families, from the workers' overalls.
The sheriff took into account the company's current financial position, the early plea and the fact prompt action had been taken to ensure there would be no repetition and reduced the fine from £15,000 to £10,000.
HSE Inspector, Gary Stimpson, commented: "This case is important as it reminds primary contractors of their responsibility and duty of care to others working on the site – even if they are not directly employed by them."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
Related links
|
