Lead poisoning leads to GBP10,000 fine for construction company

A company who failed to identify that lead paint was present during a renovation project has been fined £10,000 after two of its workers suffered acute lead poisoning.

Perth Sheriff Court heard how Blairish Restorations Limited based in Aberfeldy were undertaking a renovation project at Findynate House, Strathtay in the summer of 2008. The company failed to identify that lead paint was present and also failed to ensure that suitable precautions were taken during the old paintwork being sanded down and removed.

Two workers were admitted to hospital with acute lead poisoning after inhaling and ingesting lead dust over several months. The court also heard how the dust was spread to the workers homes from the workers overalls, potentially endangering their families.

On 16th March 2010, the company pleaded guilty to offences under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £10,000.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspector, Gary Stimpson, commented: "This case is important as it reminds primary contractors of their responsibility and duty of care to others working on the site - even if they are not directly employed by them. Exposure to Lead can result in significant and debilitating symptoms such as anaemia, nausea and constipation and even nerve, brain and/or kidney damage.

Inspector Stimpson concluded: "There may be a view that lead is an historic problem, which was dealt with a long time ago. This prosecution shows that this is not the case. Those involved in renovating old buildings need to be particularly vigilant. Once dust or fume is generated from operations such as sanding, paint burning it easily enters the body through normal breathing or swallowing, where it accumulates causing debilitating symptoms."

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