Health and safety fine issued over hazardous materials
September 2, 2008

A company has been fined for health and safety breaches after an employee was injured handling hazardous material.
BAE Systems Land Systems (Munitions and Ordinance) is being fined £50,000, with £15,000 in costs and £5,000 in compensation.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found while the company had procedures to protect workers from hazardous materials in place they were not being followed.
Inspector in charge of the investigation David Norman claims the firm failed to "manage and supervise the system of pyrotechnic composition disposal".
He states the company had created a risk assessment which only allowed employees to destroy a certain quantity of the material at one time and this was not followed.
Mr Norman identifies the fact that although BAE possesses a solid risk assessment "poor communication and misunderstanding within the disposal area" disrupted its successful implementation.
The injured worker suffered severe burns to his face, neck and arms.
BAE Systems produces defence and aerospace systems.
BAE Systems Land Systems (Munitions and Ordinance) is being fined £50,000, with £15,000 in costs and £5,000 in compensation.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found while the company had procedures to protect workers from hazardous materials in place they were not being followed.
Inspector in charge of the investigation David Norman claims the firm failed to "manage and supervise the system of pyrotechnic composition disposal".
He states the company had created a risk assessment which only allowed employees to destroy a certain quantity of the material at one time and this was not followed.
Mr Norman identifies the fact that although BAE possesses a solid risk assessment "poor communication and misunderstanding within the disposal area" disrupted its successful implementation.
The injured worker suffered severe burns to his face, neck and arms.
BAE Systems produces defence and aerospace systems.

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