The CP are reporting that GKN Aerospace have been fined almost £27,000 for breaches in health and safety regulations.
The hi-tech manufacturers, based in East Cowes, were prosecuted today at Portsmouth Magistrates Court after it was found that six years of failings in health and safety regulations resulted in five workers being left with permanent nerve damage.
Hand-arm vibration syndrome
The report states that after a prolonged use of vibrating hand tools, the employees have developed hand-arm vibration syndrome, resulting in long-term damage to their circulation and nerve systems.
It was said in court that the company did not comply with the ‘Control of Vibration at Work Regulations’ which had been introduced in January 2006.
HSE Inspector: “Work-related health risks cannot be ignored”
A statement issued by HSE specialist inspector in occupational health, Anne Bartlett after the hearing says, “Work-related health risks cannot be ignored or pushed down the agenda.
“GKN Aerospace had the resources to protect its employees from the well-known effects of exposure to hand-arm vibration but failed to do so over an extended period.
“As a result, five employees developed debilitating symptoms which affect all aspects of their lives, and are unlikely to ever improve. Although most of them were redeployed, the company still failed to assess the risks and implement suitable measures to protect the remaining staff until HSE stepped in at the end of 2011.
“Employers must take timely and effective measures to ensure that the health of their staff is not seriously and permanently affected as a result of the work they do.”
OnTheWight has contacted GKN for a response and will let you know once we hear back.
Image: © HSE
