Risk news

A Crown Censure for health and safety breaches has been accepted by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas).

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigations at the Cefas laboratory in Pakefield Road, Lowestoft found failings in maintaining control measures, as well as failings in the assessment and control of substances hazardous to health.

These failings breached the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, although they have since been remedied.

Cefas accepted the censure because there was no evidence of a defined, identified risk, nor of any harm to employees.

"This case highlights the need for employers to properly manage hazardous substances and the need to protect the workforce through assessment, control and appropriate health surveillance for these substances," stated Steven Gill, HSE inspector.

More information about the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 can be found on Aviva Risk Management Solutions' website, here.