An interesting case appeared last year around the use of chemicals in a public place. It reinforced the need for risk assessments and appropriate use of chemicals.
Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, the council which covers the Western Isles, was fined last July after a boy suffered chemical burns. Employees of the local council had cleaned the steps and slipway at the pier, at Valtos Pier in Uig, using sodium hypochlorite. Later the same day, two children were crabbing and lying on the steps of the pier, when one of the children felt a stinging sensation across his left leg. The child noticed that his skin had developed red and brown patches and a white substance on his leg. The children returned to their holiday home and the child was showered before he was taken to hospital. The hospital confirmed the child had sustained a chemical burn from the sodium hypochlorite.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that due to the council’s failure to wash away the solution, or cordon off the area, the children were able to access the area and were therefore exposed to the chemical. The investigation found that the risk assessment in place did not consider that there could be a risk to members of the public.
Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar of Sandwick Road, Stornoway, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay a compensation order of £6,000.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Kim Munro said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.
“Employers should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
In order to prevent similar cases occurring in the future, risk assessments should be carried out and acted upon promptly at all working environments. Health and safety advice should be sought if needed to ensure that the necessary measures are put in place as well as ensuring that employees have received sufficient relevant training especially when using chemicals.
If you have any queries regarding our training workshop, health and safety in your workplace or relating to any other areas of HR then please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of the team on 01924 827869.
References: http://press.hse.gov.uk/2018/local-authority-fined-after-a-boy-received-chemical-burns/
