Wood Dust Exposure: HSE Fines Company £15,000 for Inadequate Controls

A recent case highlights the importance of LEV compliance in woodworking as they were fined £15,000 for inadequate controls.

In June 2022, the HSE identified a timber barn and stable manufacturer failing to adequately protect employees from wood dust exposure. The company received improvement notices requiring them to:

• Assess the effectiveness of their chop saw's LEV system
• Implement additional controls around their table saw

During a follow-up inspection, the HSE found insufficient action taken. This resulted in the company being found guilty of breaching health and safety regulations and incurring a £15,000 fine + £4,500 legal costs.

HSE Inspector's Key Takeaway:

"Compliance could have been easily achieved by installing an LEV system on the table saw and having a competent person thoroughly examine and test the existing chop saw LEV."

Worrying Trend:

The HSE's 2022/23 inspections revealed that 78% of businesses were non-compliant with wood dust exposure control measures.

Health Risks of Wood Dust:

Exposure can lead to serious health problems like asthma, dermatitis, and even a rare nasal cancer in extreme cases.

Protecting Your Employees:

• Implement effective dust extraction systems, either within workshops or directly on tools.
• Avoid dry sweeping - use Type H or M vacuums to minimize dust dispersal.
• Provide properly fitted RPE for any remaining exposure risks.

Remember:

Wood dust poses a significant health risk if not managed properly. Take action to protect your employees with proper controls!

COMPLIANCE LEV is here to help companies like yours reduce costs and help you meet all of your legal obligations under HSE Guidance (HSG 258) and COSHH regulations.

If you have had HSE visit or if you want to pre-empt and ensure your LEV systems are complaint, the only number you need is COMPLIANCE LEV Ltd.

Be LEV compliant...use COMPLIANCE LEV.

#WoodworkingSafety #LEVCompliance #HSE