Sandvik businesses fined for safety breaches
Fines imposed following reported cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and HAVS among UK workers
DERBYSHIRE-based Sandvik Mining and Construction Ltd and Sandvik Construction Mobile Crushers and Screeners Ltd have both been fined for safety breaches as a result of separate investigations into reported cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) among their employees.
Derby Crown Court heard how employees at the two firms, both of which are based in Swadlincote, were regularly exposed to hand-arm vibration over many years through the use of a range of vibratory tools in the assembly and servicing of mobile crushing and screening machines.
Investigations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the activities of both companies found that Sandvik Mining and Construction, between July 2005 and March 2014, and Sandvik Construction Mobile Crushers and Screeners, between 2007 and February 2013, failed to adequately manage the risk to employees from exposure to vibration, including failing to carry out suitable and sufficient assessments for the risk from vibration, and had not made reasonable estimates of employee’s exposure.
Sandvik Mining and Construction, who pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, were fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8,246, whilst Sandvik Construction Mobile Crushers and Screeners, who also pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, were fined £280,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8,246.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Edward Walker said: ‘There is a well-known health risk associated with exposure to hand-arm vibration and it is important that measures are put in place to manage that risk. Exposure to hand-arm vibration can cause debilitating affects which could have been avoided.’
