Auto-Immunization

for violating of Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, after two workers working at the Findynate House, Findynate Estate, Strathtay restoration project were admitted to hospital due to acute lead poisoning caused by the exposure to lead at the worksite.

Following the accident, the company took prompt measures for damage control. As stated by Duncan Batchelor, the defence lawyer, the company had not realised that there was lead present at the worksite and thus had not done anything previously. The lead dust also reached the families of the workers via their overalls. However, the mistake was corrected as soon as it came to light.

The case was heard by the Perth Sheriff Court which ordered the company to pay the fine of £10,000. The figure earlier contemplated was £15,000 but the court reduced it considering the promptness of company’s actions as well as its economic condition.

The managing director of Blairish Restorations Limited also apologized for the incident and the failure on the part of the company to prevent it.

HSE Inspector, Gary Stimpson also spoke about the incident, saying that lead exposure is known to be dangerous to body and brain and can cause many dangerous diseases starting from nausea to kidney failure and brain damage. Mere carelessness on the part of the companies can endanger lives and they must keep this in mind. The HSE has sent out warnings on the exposure to lead paint following this instance.

The Health and Safety Policy is a key factor of any organisations health and safety management system. Workplace Law can assist in establishing good practices by addressing problems and rectifying deficiencies. Organisations can achieve compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Accreditation Standard (OHSAS 18001) by demonstrating legal and regulatory compliance with improved policies and performance to successfully manage health and safety hazards and risks.