A midlands based engineering firm has been fined after failing to adequately control the risk of legionella bacteria arising from the use of a tunnel wash associated with powder coating processes, putting employees and contractors at risk of being exposed to legionella bacteria.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) at the time, found that the company had no controls in place for the management of risk of legionella bacteria in the water system.
At the court hearing the firm pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2 (1) and 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and were £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5067.68.
By Mark Worsnop, Health & Safety Advisor
