A pipe manufacturing firm has been fined £200,000 for using vibrating tools without receiving the necessary training…
Asset International Limited has been fined after seven cases of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) were brought to light.
The pipe manufacturing company was investigated for the incidents, which occurred between April 2014 and July 2015.
The case was brought before Newport Crown Court, and saw a whopping fine levied at the firm following changes to safety sentencing guidelines earlier this year.
According to the investigation carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the firm failed to conduct a sufficient risk assessment or carry out health surveillance.
Asset International Limited pleaded guilty to breaching safety rules and was fined a total of £200,000, as well as costs of £27,724.
Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Joanne Carter said: “The serious and irreversible risks from Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome caused by work with vibrating tools are well known and guidance has been in place since the early 1990s.
“This case shows there is no excuse for not putting in place a management system which includes risk assessment, control measures, health surveillance and information and training to reduce these risks to as low a level as is reasonably practicable.”