Manufacturer fined £40,000 for health and safety breach

A HEREFORD company which manufactures rubber sealants has been fined £40,000 for its failure to adequately protect its workers.

A worker at TRP Polymer Solutions contracted the skin disease allergic contact dermatitis after being exposed to sensitising ingredients in rubber compounds.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive 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 pleaded guilty at Hereford Magistrates’ Court to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002. It was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay costs of £6,529, while Paula Underwood was also fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £200.