A BUSINESS which failed to protect its workers from inhaling toxic dust at its manufacturing site has been hit with a five-figure fine after court proceedings were brought about following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive.
Warmsworth Stone Limited’s Thurnscoe site at Knabbs Hill Farm came under scrutiny from HSE inspectors, who issued a prohibition notice after they found exposure to a hazardous substance - respirable crystalline silica - had occurred with no effective control measures in place.
Silica - the biggest risk to construction workers after asbestos - can cause lung cancer and other serious respiratory diseases.
Silicosis is rarely the recorded reason for death but it causes significant comorbidities, inspectors - who said the firm showed ‘reckless disregard’ - said.
The HSE estimates it has been responsible for the deaths of thousands of construction workers and, in addition to the risks from lung cancer, silica is also linked to other serious lung diseases.
Director Simon Frith appeared at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on Monday where he submitted guilty pleas both personally and on the company’s behalf to three breaches - two relating to the Health and Safety at Work Act and one of the control of hazardous substances.
Mr Frith was given a £1,594 fine, told to pay a £425 surcharge and £3,782 in court costs - totalling £5,801 - while the firm will pay a further £24,064.
“The amounts needed to cause this damage are not large,” HSE inspector Charlotte Bligh said.
“Silica is a natural substance found in varying amounts in most rocks, sand and clay.
“For example, sandstone contains more than 70 per cent silica, whereas granite might contain about 15 per cent.
“The company management responsible for health and safety were neither informed nor competent enough to carry out their role under the law.
“Over time, the basic measures to secure the health of all on site had not been taken, there had been no attempt to assess health risks and existing control measures had not been properly maintained.
“The company failed to take the initiative in health and safety matters and seek guidance, instruction and competent advice on implementation and communication of those measures necessary to control the risks at the site.
“The provision of suitable protection for workers’ health is a basic requirement that this company has failed to meet.
“We will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those that fail to comply with the requirements of enforcement notices.”
The prosecution - originally launched in 2023 - came just months after MPs called for real-time monitoring of silica dust to be looked at as a ‘matter of urgency’, leading to the formation of an all-party group.
“We recognise that worker exposure remains a significant issue,” a HSE spokesperson added.
“This is a priority for us - we share the aim of protecting the workforce and reducing deaths from silicosis.
“We have a robust and well-established framework in place to protect workers from the health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
* The Chronicle contacted Warmsworth Stone Limited for a response.
