Pipe Manufacturer Fined For Safety Failings

A South Wales construction pipe manufacturer has been fined for health and safety failings after reported cases of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).

Asset International Limited, of Stevenson Street, Newport, pleaded guilty to offences under Regulations 5,6,7, and 8 of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

It was fined £200,000 with costs of £27,724.

Newport Crown Court heard that employees of the firm had used vibrating tools without proper training or practical controls to reduce vibration risk.


Overall, seven cases of HAVS or CTS were reported between April 2014 and July 2015.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found no sufficient risk assessment or health surveillance had been carried out.

HSE inspector Joanne Carter said: "The serious and irreversible risks from Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome caused by work with vibrating tools are well known and guidance has been in place since the early 1990s.

"This case shows there is no excuse for not putting in place a management system which includes risk assessment, control measures, health surveillance and information and training to reduce these risks to as low a level as is reasonably practicable."

(LM/CD)