COSHH failures led to metal fume fever in workers

Prosecutions and Claims |
14.04.2008

Two men suffered "metal fume fever" and one was hospitalised after receiving high exposures while cutting galvanised steel, a court has heard.

On 15 May 2007 two employees of Wienerberger, the world's largest clay brick and tile manufacturer, developed flu-like symptoms after carrying out a "one-off" job at the firm's Todhills Works in Newfield, County Durham.

The job involved cutting up galvanised dryer trams (trolleys used to transport bricks through a dryer) using oxy-acetylene burning equipment.

Cheshire-based Wienerberger pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 6(1) and 7(1) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 for its failure to assess and control the risks from a hazardous substance.

Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court imposed fines of £2000 and ordered the firm to pay £8516 in costs.

Symptoms of metal fume fever include coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue and pains in muscles and joints.

HSE inspector Fiona MacNeill, who investigated the incident, said Wienerberger "did not make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk posed by fumes and gases generated by cutting galvanised steel dryer trams using oxy-acetylene, nor did they adequately control that exposure.

"Fumes from hot cutting galvanised steel contain zincs and are particularly hazardous to people."