Nine workers at a ceramic tile factory in North Wales had levels of lead in their blood above national safety limits, putting them at risk of serious health problems, a court has been told.

The employees of specialist firm Craig Bragdy Design, of Denbigh, were tested after the issue came to light in February 2012 following a routine visit by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The company, which uses colour glazes containing lead in its tiling work, was prosecuted by HSE at Llandudno Magistrates' court after an investigation disclosed serious safety failings.

The court heard that HSE's routine inspection raised serious concerns about how Craig Bragdy Design handled the control of lead during its manufacturing process.

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Tests carried out on staff following HSE's inspection found three female workers had blood levels at or above the suspension limit – one of them significantly higher. The suspension limit is activated by law and means they should be withdrawn from working with lead until the concentration in their blood reduces naturally.

In addition, five women and one man working at the site were found to be above the action level which alerts employers that a worker is approaching the suspension level. At this point, the employer should investigate why this is happening and review its control measures.

Magistrates were told long term exposure to lead can cause serious health effects, including spontaneous abortion, still births and low birth weight before or during pregnancy. Other effects include anaemia, fatigue, headache, convulsions and paralysis.

HSE's investigations found the company failed to control its workers' exposure to lead and carry out a proper risk assessment for the work. It also did not measure the concentration of lead in the air to which employees were exposed.

The firm also failed to provide medical surveillance for the workers and did not provide them with sufficient information and training.

Craig Bragdy Design Ltd of Colomendy Industrial Estate, Denbigh, pleaded guilty to five breaches of the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 and was fined a total of £35,000 and ordered to pay costs of £23,271.

(CD/JP)