Local company fined £200,000 for breach of Health and Safety regulations

May 27 2016

Carl Harrison recently prosecuted Asset International for four offences pursuant to the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Asset International, based in Newport, fabricate pipes used for transporting waste and water. This work involves cutting and drilling pipes, using reciprocating and vibrating power tools. Asset International failed to properly protect its employees from vibration risk associated with using such tools over a period of around 10 years. Three employees sustained Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome as a result. Following a two-day sentencing hearing, HHJ Williams fined Asset International £200,000. This was one of the first cases in Wales sentenced under the new Sentencing Guidelines for Health and Safety offences. The South Wales Argus news article can be found here