The employee of TRP Polymer Solutions of Hereford, West Midlands, contracted allergic contact dermatitis in January 2014 after being exposed to ingredients in the rubber compounds he was handling, which proved sensitive to his skin.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company failed to assess the risks from products used and failed to manage them.
The HSE reported that the company’s health and safety adviser had failed to understand the underlying issues involved to the level required and thus to take account of its responsibilities to its employee.
TRP pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Hereford Magistrate’s court on June 14.
Ordered to pay costs
It also admitted to breaching Regulations 6 and 11 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002, and was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay costs of £6,529.
Established in 2004, TRP designs, develops and manufactures custom rubber mouldings and ‘O’ rings for industries worldwide, including those in food manufacture, pharmaceuticals and oil and gas production.
TRP described the materials used for seals in the food sector as safe and durable. They are used for processing equipment, including mixing, pumping, sampling and dispensing equipment.
Significant occupational health issue
Skin conditions are a big occupational health issue for food and drink manufacturers, according to the HSE. Its statistics highlight work-related dermatitis as one of the main causes of ill health for workers in the catering sector. The number of new cases reported each year are twice the average of all other industries.
According to the NHS, contact dermatitis manifests itself as areas of skin that become red, inflamed (swollen), blistered, dry, thickened and cracked, after direct exposure to a certain substance that cause skin irritation.
Symptoms can develop on any area of the body, but the hands and feet are mostly affected.
Danny Clarke , operations director for ELAS – a provider of business support services, including occupational health – said: “Occupational dermatitis is one of the most widespread causes of ill health for food and drink manufacturers.”