Automotive company, Xtrac Ltd in Thatcham, have been prosecuted after an employee suffered from an allergic reaction in the workplace after coming into contact with metalworking fluids.
On 24 April 2019, an employee of the company was cleaning out a grinding machine at the manufacturing site when they were splashed on the face and upper body with metalworking fluid. This contact resulted in the employee suffering an allergic reaction, including very painful burning sensations and inflamed, broken and oozing skin. After receiving medical treatment the employee was diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis.
Unfortunately, this is a permanent allergy, and future contact with even small quantities of metalworking fluids can result in another serious allergic reaction. Due to this, the employee was given medical advice that they could no longer continue in their current job because of the risk it posed to their health.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and found that Xtrac Ltd had failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment to identify potential exposure to hazardous chemicals.
They also found that no control measures had been implemented to prevent skin contact with these chemicals. This was particularly shocking as the company had already been made aware of the employee's history of dermatitis.
Xtrac Ltd pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates Court to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and were fined £100,000.
HSE inspector Ashley Hall commented on the case: "Dermal risks from metalworking fluids are well known within industry and there are simple and effective controls available to prevent contact with the skin. This serious health condition could have been prevented if the company had carried out the required risk assessment and implemented the necessary control measures, including suitable personal protective equipment, particularly gloves. All of these risks and controls are described in HSE and industry guidance, which is widely available."
