Inova Stone Ltd Fined £60,000 for Health and Safety Breaches
- Hello_YCDI
- May 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 7
Health and Safety Violations in the Workplace
A company that manufactures popular stone kitchen worktops has been fined £60,000 after it repeatedly failed to protect workers from exposure to hazardous dust. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a safe working environment, especially in industries dealing with potentially harmful materials.
Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited Inova Stone Ltd nine times over a six-year period. Unfortunately, they found little or no improvement across several areas of concern. This lack of progress raises serious questions about the company's commitment to worker safety.
During a visit to the company’s premises in Slough in May 2021, HSE inspectors were stunned to hear employees state that “no-one is in charge of health and safety.” This alarming revelation came after concerns had been raised about unsafe working practices. Inspectors soon witnessed the complacency for themselves, identifying several breaches of health and safety law. These included a failure to control exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), a known health hazard.
The workshop floor was caked in dust, suggesting an absence of effective controls. This not only poses a risk to the workers but also indicates a broader issue within the company regarding health and safety management.
HSE Guidance on Stone Worktops
To assist companies in improving their safety practices, the HSE recently updated its guidance for those working on stone worktops. This includes a helpful guide of do’s and don’ts, which can be found here: HSE Guidance for those installing stone worktops (PDF). Implementing these guidelines can significantly reduce the risks associated with working in environments where hazardous dust is present.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
As a result of the inspection, Inova Stone Ltd was served with four improvement notices. The subsequent HSE investigation revealed that similar action had also been taken four years earlier, in 2017. This pattern of neglect raises concerns about the company’s overall safety culture and its commitment to adhering to health and safety regulations.
Inova Stone Ltd, located on Willow Road, Colnbrook, Slough, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act. Additionally, the company faced three charges for failing to comply with an improvement notice. The outcome was a fine of £60,000, along with £7,363 in costs, imposed by Staines Magistrates Court on 20 May 2025.
The Importance of Health and Safety Compliance
This case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of health and safety compliance in the workplace. Companies must take proactive measures to protect their employees from hazardous conditions. Failure to do so not only endangers workers but can also lead to significant financial penalties and damage to the company's reputation.
Employers should regularly review their health and safety policies and ensure that all staff are trained and aware of the risks associated with their work. By fostering a culture of safety, companies can prevent accidents and create a more productive working environment.
Moving Forward: Best Practices for Safety
To avoid similar situations, companies should consider implementing the following best practices:
Regular Training: Ensure that all employees receive regular training on health and safety protocols, particularly when working with hazardous materials.
Risk Assessments: Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace. This should be an ongoing process, with assessments updated regularly.
Effective Communication: Foster open communication about health and safety issues. Employees should feel comfortable reporting concerns without fear of reprisal.
Implementing Controls: Use appropriate controls to minimize exposure to hazardous substances. This may include ventilation systems, personal protective equipment (PPE), and regular cleaning schedules.
Monitoring Compliance: Regularly monitor compliance with health and safety regulations. This can involve internal audits and inspections to ensure that safety measures are being followed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the case of Inova Stone Ltd serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting health and safety responsibilities. Companies must prioritise the well-being of their employees by adhering to safety regulations and fostering a culture of safety. By doing so, they can protect their workforce and avoid the significant penalties associated with non-compliance.
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