Case Study: The Dangers Of Wood Dust

Wood dust, a common by-product of a wide range of activities, can cause serious and irreversible health problems. As such, employers have a legal duty to control exposure to this hazardous substance. Failure to control exposure can result in asthma, dermatitis, irritation to the skin/eyes/nose, and can cause sino-nasal cancer. Wood dust is flammable and could case a fire or explosion, leading to serious injury and business cost.

Control measures to ensure Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) are not exceeded might include housekeeping measures such as vacuuming, the use of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), suitable face masks, and conducting health surveillance.

Case Study: Wood dust failures lead to prosecution

A recent HSE prosecution for wood dust failures saw a manufacturing company fined £15,000. HSE inspectors visited Billy Davidson NV Stables Ltd after concerns were raised, and two improvement notices were served in July 2022, requiring the company to carry out an inspection of the LEV system and for failing to control wood dust created from a circular table saw.

Despite warnings and requirements to address ventilation system issues and wood dust exposure control, when HSE inspectors returned in January 2023, these improvements were not in place. The company continued to use equipment without proper measures, and no evidence of a suitable LEV inspection was available.

Billy Davidson NV Stables Limited was found guilty of contravening two counts of Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Regulations 9(2) and 7(1) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. The company was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay £4,500 in costs.

HSE inspector Clare Maltby emphasised the importance of controlling wood dust exposure and the consequences for non-compliance, stating:

This company showed a blatant disregard to the safety of its own workers. Companies are responsible for controlling the exposure to wood dust, a substance which is hazardous to health and can cause long term health effects such as occupational asthma. Compliance could have been achieved by simply getting a LEV fitted to the circular table saw and getting a competent person to undertake a thorough examination and test of the LEV on the chop saw. This case demonstrates that we will not hesitate to prosecute companies who fail to comply with the law.

How Can LRB Consulting Ltd help you control wood dust?

Get in touch if you are an employer or contractor who is unsure of their duties and responsibilities and looking for support. We can create a bespoke package of support to suit your particular activities and needs. We can help you create suitable risk assessments, enhance your risk management, create safe systems of work, and establish or improve your wood dust control measures.

Contact us for occupational health support, including dust sampling and helping you to identify the steps needed to fulfil your occupational health duties.