The Martin-Baker Aircraft Company have been fined £800,000 for breaching the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations SI 2002/2677 (CoSHH).
Three workers at their ejector seat factory in Uxbridge have developed debilitating lung conditions following years of exposure to metalworking fluid mist, Aylesbury Crown Court heard.
The fluid is used as a lubricant and coolant in engineering processes, but Martin-Baker Aircraft failed to implement a system to clear the excess fluid or provide extraction to prevent the build-up of the mist on computer numerically controlled (CNC) cutting machines.
When the machines are used the fluid creates a mist, which was then breathed in by around 60 workers. This has lead to at least three long serving employees developing a serious condition called extrinsic allergic alveolitis.
The lung condition causes inflammation of the lung's air sacs, or alveoli. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath and joint pain.
The HSE found failings in Martin-Baker's provision of health surveillance, which should have noticed the problem earlier and put in place appropriate prevention and control measures.
The Aircraft Company pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and CoSHH leading to an £800,000 fine and £36,912 in costs.
Stephen Faulkner, HSE Inspector said: "Companies need to make sure they consider workers' health just as much as their safety when carrying out risk assessments. The dangers of breathing in metal working fluid are well known within the industry."
The company are also currently awaiting a court appearance for a separate Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution over the death of a red arrows pilot.
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