Two manufacturing firms have been handed substantial fines after failing to protect workers from exposure to hazardous dust, despite repeated warnings and prior enforcement actions. The cases highlight continued health and safety breaches within the woodworking and stone processing industries.
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The first case involved Nat Pal Limited, a Fakenham-based wood supplier and exporter, which was fined £40,000 after an inspection by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in April 2023 uncovered widespread wood dust and inadequate protective measures. The company had a history of non-compliance dating back to 2015. In court, it admitted breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 for failing to safeguard employees' health. Nat Pal was also ordered to pay £4,072 in costs.
The HSE emphasised that excessive wood dust exposure can cause asthma and nasal cancer, and stressed that employers must use proper ventilation, respiratory protection, and health surveillance. HSE inspector Natalie Prince stated the fine should 'underline that HSE take a failure to protect the health of employees extremely seriously'.
The second case concerned Inova Stone Ltd, a kitchen worktop manufacturer in Slough, which was fined £60,000 with an additional £7,363 in costs. HSE inspectors made nine visits over six years, documenting persistent violations, including dangerous levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, unguarded machinery, and poorly stored stone slabs.
Despite being served multiple improvement notices, including in 2017, the company failed to act. Inspectors were alarmed to find staff reporting that 'no-one is in charge of health and safety'. Karen Morris, HSE Principal Inspector, said the firm showed "a lack of commitment" and had "plenty of opportunities to comply with the law".
Both cases serve as a stark warning that failure to protect workers will result in legal and financial consequences.
Source: www.bigfurnituregroup.com