A plasterboard recycling company has been prosecuted after a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspection discovered dust levels were 20 times higher than the legal limit at its premises, in addition to other safety failures.

Plasterboard Recycling Solutions Ltd of Floor Bridge House, Fiddlebridge Lane, Hatfield, pleaded guilty of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and Regulations 6(1) and 7(1) of the Control of Substances hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended).

It has been fined £60,000 with more than £2,327 in costs.

Luton Magistrates' Court heard how health and safety standards at the site in Bedfordshire were generally poor.

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An inspection carried out by two HSE inspectors on 22 September 2015 discovered the company had failed to ensure that the buildings on site were safe for workers to use, with one of the walls of the process building bowing and the internal roof trusses bent and damaged.

There were also no measures on site to prevent pedestrians from coming into contact with moving vehicles, machinery on site was inadequately guarded, and unsupported plasterboard stockpiles were leaning against buildings.

In addition, it was found that Plasterboard Recycling Solutions failed to adequately control exposure to plasterboard dust which was found to be covering the floors, walls, machinery and ledges of the premises. Occupational hygiene surveys identified exposures to dust on the premises were up to 20 times the legal limit.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Emma Page said: "Employers should be aware of their legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees. Duty holders should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards."

(LM/JP)