Burnley firm fined for noise exposure

A manufacturing company has been prosecuted after placing its workers at risk of hearing problems and itself in danger of potential compensation claims.

Burnley-based Equestrian Surfaces Ltd was fined GBP 16,000 and ordered to pay GBP 11,000 after it admitted a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at Burnley Magistrates Court.

The prosecution was launched by the Health and Safety Executive after the company failed to reduce the noise in its factory even after it was served with an improvement notice and was then granted two extensions.

A granulator machine used by the company in the manufacture of flooring surfaces for horse riding centres was found to make a noise of up to 98 decibels in volume and staff had to work near it for several hours a day.

Matthew Lea, an inspector with the HSE, commented: "Equestrian Surfaces could have taken a number of simple practical steps to reduce noise exposure but chose instead to rely on just using basic ear protectors, which in effect is the last line of defence."

Last month, West Sussex rubber hose manufacturer Oldham Seals Ltd was fined GBP 12,000 after three workers were injured by the same piece of machinery.

Posted by Alison Spriggs
 

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