
![]() |
Chris Shaw
Editor |
Firm fined after worker dies from inhaling fumes while cleaning
09 November 2015
An employer has been fined after a worker died after inhaling fumes while cleaning a chemical stripping paint tank at a motor vehicle repair company.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard how on 18 August 2011, Steven Conway, 33, from Dundee, was employed by Diamond Wheels (Dundee) Limited to undertake general duties at its Dryburgh Industrial Estate premises.
These duties included collections and deliveries, removing and replacing tyres, and moving alloy wheels into, and out of, the chemical stripping tank.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Mr Conway was provided with no formal training in respect of the use of the chemical stripping tank and the chemical stripping agent used by the company. Instead he was given ‘on the job’ training.
The court heard Mr Conway, was overcome by dichloromethane vapour while attempting to remove stripping debris from within the chemical stripping tank and died as a result of his exposure to those vapours.
Diamond Wheels (Dundee) Limited, of Nethergate, Dundee, was fined £50,000, after pleading guilty to offences under Section 2(1) and 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
For more information about chemicals at work visit the website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/chemicals/
- Dry cleaners fined for failing to manage dangerous bacteria
- Company fined after worker scalded by cleaning solution
- HSE releases annual workplace fatality figures
- HSE announces legionella bacteria guidance update
- Watchdog probe lands roof cleaning firm in court
- Company prosecuted after workers severely burned by cleaning chemicals
- Firm fined after worker burned in pressure washer incident
- Waste and recycling company fined £1m following death of worker
- Worker suffers life-changing injury while cleaning
- Company fined after worker sustains chemical burns during clean-up
- No related articles listed