Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) remains one of the most preventable occupational health risks — yet too many employers are still failing to manage it properly.
This latest prosecution highlights the serious consequences of neglecting to assess and control vibration risks in the workplace.

The case: Rowes Garage Ltd
Devon and Cornwall-based Rowes Garage Ltd has been fined £204,000 after two employees were diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) following repeated exposure to vibration from tools used at its Truro body shop.

The workers were regularly using random-orbital sanders and reciprocating saws to carry out car body repairs. One of them reported experiencing symptoms of HAVS for around eight years.

What is HAVS?
Prolonged and regular exposure to vibration can cause painful and disabling disorders affecting the

• Nerves

• Blood supply

• Joints

• Muscles of the hands and arms

These conditions are collectively known as HAVS. The risk of onset or worsening increases with daily exposure and varies between individuals.

HSE findings
An HSE investigation found that Rowes Garage Ltd had failed to implement the basic elements of vibration risk management:

• No suitable and sufficient risk assessment

• No effective control measures

• No programme of monitoring employee exposure

• No information, instruction, or training for employees

• No action taken even after years of reported symptoms by the affected employees

The outcome
Rowes Garage Ltd (now registered at Vertu House, Gateshead) pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The company was fined £204,000 and ordered to pay £8,099 in costs at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on 8 May 2025.

What this means for employers
HAVS is a preventable condition — but only if employers take their legal responsibilities seriously

• Carry out a vibration risk assessment

• Implement control measures to minimise exposure

• Monitor exposure levels

• Provide suitable training and information

• Conduct health surveillance and act promptly on any signs or symptoms

Exposure to wood dust remains a major occupational health risk — one that is well understood, and fully controllable when the right measures are in place.

Yet despite clear guidance and ongoing HSE campaigns, employers continue to neglect basic protections — with serious legal and financial consequences.

The case: Nat Pal Limited
Fakenham-based Nat Pal Limited has been fined £40,000 after a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspection in April 2023 uncovered serious failings in its controls for managing wood dust exposure.

HSE inspectors found dust scattered across the floor throughout the site, highlighting both poor control measures and a lack of effective housekeeping.

The inspection led to enforcement action — and the company was ultimately prosecuted under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 for failing to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of its employees.

Why wood dust matters
Breathing in wood dust excessively can cause:

• Asthma

• Nasal cancer

Both are well-documented occupational diseases — which is why HSE continues to target this issue through proactive inspections across the woodworking industry.

What the law requires
HSE guidance clearly states that employers must take effective measures to prevent employee exposure to wood dust. This normally includes:

• Providing and maintaining local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems

• Ensuring face-fit tested respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is used where needed

• Carrying out health surveillance to monitor employees’ respiratory health

The outcome
Nat Pal Limited, of Cummings Road, Tattersett Business Park, Fakenham, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,072 at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on 16 May 2025.

The lesson
The woodworking sector remains a key focus for HSE enforcement — and this case highlights how quickly companies can find themselves in court when basic precautions are neglected.

With proactive inspection campaigns ongoing, it’s essential that all businesses handling wood dust review their controls now — before enforcement action is taken.

Health and safety responsibilities don’t stop at the boardroom. While the Managing Director or Chief Executive holds the ultimate accountability, the day-to-day responsibility for ensuring a safe working environment often falls squarely on the shoulders of line managers and supervisors.

• Deduction from wages
• Seizure of personal property, including homes or vehicles
• Charging orders placed against assets
• In more severe or unresolved cases, imprisonment

Wood Manufacturer Fined Over £1 Million After Two Workers Injured

A multinational wood-based product manufacturer, West Fraser (Europe) Ltd, has been fined more than £1 million following two serious workplace incidents at its Cowie plant in 2020. The company, formerly known as Norbord, pleaded guilty to multiple health and safety breaches related to both incidents, which occurred within six months of each other.

First Incident: Worker Entangled in Machinery

In January 2020, Sean Gallagher, a 29-year-old utility operator, suffered severe injuries after his leg became trapped in the moving parts of a storage bunker at the plant’s biomass facility.

Gallagher initially followed company procedures when he entered the bunker to inspect a fault. However, later in his shift, he returned to the bunker without isolating the power. His leg became entangled in the machinery, and he had to use his phone to call for help.

He was eventually freed and taken to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with compound fractures to his tibia and fibula.

Following the incident, the company implemented a new safety measure by installing a mesh guard across the bunker hatch. This guard is now padlocked and can only be unlocked by a supervisor after the system has been properly isolated.

Second Incident: Scaffolder Falls Over 13 Feet

Just six months later, in July 2020, scaffolder David McMillan, 39, fell more than 13 feet from a rooftop gantry after a rusted plate gave way beneath him. McMillan suffered multiple fractures, including to his neck and ankle, and spent 20 days in the hospital.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that the company had no maintenance schedule or system of checks for the gantry structure. Inspectors found that the steel flooring was corroded, and some welds holding the plates in place were near failure. Following the incident, the gantry was immediately placed out of bounds before being dismantled and permanently removed.

Company Fined for Health and Safety Breaches

As a result of these incidents, West Fraser (Europe) Ltd faced significant legal consequences:

• For the first incident, the company admitted to breaching Regulations 11(1) and (2) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and Section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £28,000 at Stirling Sheriff Court on 17 February 2025.
• For the second incident, the company pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 4(2) and 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They received a much steeper fine of £1,040,000 at the same court hearing.

Repeated Safety Failures

This is not the first time the company has faced scrutiny over workplace safety. In 2022, West Fraser (Europe) Ltd was fined over £2 million after an employee suffered fatal burns at the same facility.

Lessons for Employers

These incidents highlight the severe consequences of failing to implement and maintain proper health and safety measures. Regular inspections, effective training, and robust maintenance schedules are essential in preventing workplace injuries and fatalities.

At Compass HSC, we provide expert guidance to ensure your business meets health and safety compliance standards, reducing risk and protecting workers. Contact us today for professional support in workplace safety management.

Company Fined After Worker Loses Three Fingers in Panel Saw Incident

A Preventable Workplace Tragedy

A construction industry supplier has been fined after an employee suffered a life-changing injury while operating a panel saw. The incident occurred atPemberton Timber Frame Limited in Ramsgate, resulting in severe hand injuries for 36-year-old David Broadway.

The Incident

On4 January 2023, Mr. Broadway was instructed to reduce the thickness of a length of timber using apanel saw. The task required multiple passes of the timber through the saw, as the depth of the blade was insufficient to cut through in a single pass. CCTV footage captured the moment he attempted to complete the second cut when his right hand came into contact with the moving saw blade. The result was theinstant amputation of three fingers—his index, middle, and ring fingers—as well as additional injuries to his little finger.

Investigation Findings

A subsequentHealth and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed serious failings in safety measures at Pemberton Timber Frame Ltd. Key findings included:

• Thepanel saw was not suitable for the task assigned.

• Theemployee had not received adequate training or instruction on the safe operation of the machine.

• Essentialsafety features were absent, including ariving knife, which helps prevent material from pinching the blade and reducing kickback.

• A push stick was not used, increasing the risk of direct hand contact with the saw.

Legal Consequences

On8 January 2025,Pemberton Timber Frame Ltd pleaded guilty to breachingSection 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 atSevenoaks Magistrates’ Court. The company was fined£12,000 and ordered to pay full costs of£4,034.

Key Lessons for Employers

This case underscores thecritical importance of proper machine safety measures and staff training in the workplace. Employers must:

✅ Ensureworkers are trained in the correct and safe operation of all machinery. ✅ Provideadequate safety features, such as riving knives and guarding systems. ✅ Enforce the use ofpush sticks and other safety tools to prevent direct contact with blades. ✅ Regularlyinspect and maintain machinery to ensure all protective devices are in place and functional.

Protecting Your Workforce

Incidents like this highlight why workplacerisk assessments and safety training are essential.Compass HSC can help businesses implement effectivemachinery safety policies and compliance strategies to protect employees and avoid costly legal consequences.

📢Concerned about machine safety in your workplace? ContactCompass HSC for expert guidance on risk management and compliance.

Many businesses view health and safety laws as restrictive and complex, much like national speed limits—something people ignore until consequences arise. However, compliance is crucial, not just to avoid legal penalties but to protect workers and ensure business continuity.

The Role of Health and Safety Law

Health and safety legislation exists to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. It provides a structured framework to help businesses manage risks effectively. Understanding and applying these laws can enhance productivity, reduce liabilities, and create a safer working environment.

The Foundation: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

At the core of UK health and safety law is theHealth and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA). This legislation sets out employers’ and employees’ responsibilities for workplace safety. From this Act, several regulations have been developed to address specific risks and industries.

Key Regulations Under HSWA

The following regulations stem from the HSWA and apply across various workplace environments:

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations – Governs the use and handling of hazardous substances.
• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (WHSW) – Covers workplace conditions, cleanliness, and facilities.
• Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations – Addresses risks associated with screen use.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulations – Ensures workers have appropriate protective gear.
• First Aid Regulations – Specifies employer responsibilities for providing first aid in the workplace.
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) – Ensures work equipment is suitable, maintained, and inspected regularly.
• Control of Asbestos Regulations – Governs the management and removal of asbestos.
• Noise at Work Regulations – Limits worker exposure to harmful noise levels.
• Control of Vibration at Work Regulations – Addresses risks associated with hand-arm and whole-body vibration.
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) – Ensures health and safety management in construction projects.
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) – Governs the use of lifting equipment.
• Ionising Radiations Regulations – Controls exposure to ionising radiation in workplaces.
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO) – Outlines fire safety duties for businesses.
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations – Sets out requirements to reduce manual handling risks.
• Electricity at Work Regulations – Ensures electrical safety in workplaces.
• Confined Spaces Regulations – Governs work in confined or enclosed environments.
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) – Mandates reporting of workplace incidents.
• Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) – Governs the use of flammable substances.
• Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations – Regulates the handling of hazardous substances to prevent major accidents.

Why Compliance Matters

Failure to comply with these laws can lead to severe penalties, legal action, and reputational damage. As demonstrated in the ‘In Court’ case studies, businesses that neglect safety regulations risk fines, operational disruptions, and, most importantly, harm to their workers.

How Compass HSC Can Help

Health and safety professionals, like those at Compass HSC, are here to make sense of these regulations and ensure your business stays compliant. Whether it’s conducting risk assessments, delivering training, or providing expert advice, we help you navigate the complexities of workplace safety laws.

📢Do you understand which regulations apply to your business? Contact Compass HSC today for expert guidance and compliance support.