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:
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Asthma
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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:
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Providing and maintaining local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems
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Ensuring face-fit tested respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is used where needed
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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.
Is Your Wood Dust Control Up to Standard?
Don’t risk enforcement action or employee health — Compass HSC can audit your existing wood dust controls, advise on best practices, and help you achieve compliance with current HSE expectations.