Ventilation problems at an electrical equipment recycling plant, which exposed workers to toxic mercury and lead, have led to fines of £145,000 for a recycling firm and its director.
Twenty employees working at Electrical Waste Recycling Group's Huddersfield site between October 2007 and August 2008 were left with levels of mercury in their system that exceeded UK guidance levels; five of these showed extremely high levels. Several workers reported suffering ill health, including a pregnant employee who was concerned about the risks to her child.
The firm which recycles electrical equipment, including fluorescent light tubes containing mercury and TV sets and monitors containing lead, had failed to properly assess the risks of exposure to hazardous substances and to prevent or control exposure. During its investigation, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued five improvement notices and one prohibition notice. Describing the exposure of so many workers, including young and vulnerable people, as "shocking", inspector Jeanne Morton said the risks of handling such toxic substances have been known for generations. "The company failed to see the risks created by their recycling work and failed to develop effective plans for safe working. They also did nothing to check their workers' health after exposure."
The company were found guilty at Bradford Crown Court on 5 February 2010 after admitting breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations SI 2002/2677 and the Control of Lead at Work Regulations SI 2002/2676.
