A company based in Hereford which manufactures rubber sealants has been fined after a worker contracted allergic contact dermatitis.

Hereford Magistrates’ Court heard how an employee contracted the skin disease after being exposed to sensitising ingredients in rubber compounds.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company failed to assess risks from products used or manage those risks.

The company’s health and safety advisor failed to understand the underlying issues to the level required for the company to understand its responsibilities.

TRP Polymer Solutions Limited, of Netherwood Road, Rotherwas Industrial Estate, Hereford, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and Regulations 6 and 11 of the Control of Substances hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH), and was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay costs of £6,529.

Paula Underwood, of Slaughter Castle, Kimbolton, Leominster, Herefordshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £200.

For further information on COSHH visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/harmful/coshh.htm

Notes to Editors:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk 
2. More about the legislation referred to in this case can be found at: www.legislation.gov.uk/  
3. HSE news releases are available at http://press.hse.gov.uk