Health and Safety Consultant fined for not

being suitably qualified

An English health and safety consultant has been fined for failing to spot potential dangers at a factory where a worker became chronically ill through inhaling high levels of chemicals. 

 The consultant worked with a blue chip Cambridge firm for seven years, where the worker developed long term health problems after working in a poorly ventilated work space.

The consultant, a Mr Whiting, was not suitably qualified for the work which he undertook, according to investigators working on the case.

He pleaded guilty to Health and Safety at Work Act breaches and was fined £1,500 with costs of £1,000.

The Businessman was the health and safety consultant for Prior Scientific Instruments, which designs and manufactures scientific instruments for clients across the world.

After the hearing HSE Inspector Robert Meardon said the firm: “Failed to ensure the health of its employees because it employed the wrong person to give it health and safety advice.

“Mr Whiting’s background was in quality control and he did not have adequate knowledge of health and safety for the work going on in this company. “He failed to make them aware of the do’s and don’ts, regarding the use of hazardous chemicals.”

Paint sprayer Adam Coventon, 36, of Royston, suffered eye,ye irritation, breathing difficulties, headaches and lost the ability to concentrate after working with harmful substances at the Fulbourn factory. He is no longer able to work.

His partner, who asked to not be named, said the experience had changed their lives.

“We have to constantly plan around Adam’s symptoms. We all just wish that his remaining symptoms would go so that he can once again be fit and strong,” she said.

“This case highlights the need for companies to monitor and control chemicals they use so they do not wreck peoples lives in the way that ours has been.”

Cambridge Magistrates’ Court heard that Mr Coventon’s prepared and painted small components for scientific instruments.

It involved working with chemicals including trichloroethylene, a powerful de-greaser used to clean metal before it is painted, and paints containing isocyanates**  a substance that can cause asthma and other lung problems, even with very low exposure levels. Isocyanates can also irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and skin

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that the firm did not provide suitable equipment to adequately remove the hazardous fumes from the workplace.

It also found the company failed to provide employees with health surveillance for workers using hazardous substances.

Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd, of Wilbraham Road, Fulbourn, Cambridge, was fined £9,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,852 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

**Isocyanates are the raw materials from which all polyurethane products are made. Jobs that may involve exposure to isocyanates include painting, foam-blowing, and the manufacture of many products, such as chemicals, polyurethane foam, insulation materials, surface coatings, car seats, furniture, foam mattresses, under-carpet padding, packaging materials, shoes, laminated fabrics, polyurethane rubber, adhesives, and other polyurethane products.