An engineering company in Bedfordshire has been fined £27,200 and ordered to pay £30,000 in costs after the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found serious shortcomings in how it managed metalworking fluids on its CNC machines.
A routine HSE inspection in July 2022 identified that the firm failed to assess risks and control worker exposure to metalworking fluid mist, which can cause dermatitis, asthma and other respiratory issues. Despite formal Improvement Notices requiring proper risk assessment, monitoring and maintenance of fluids, a follow-up visit found no adequate action had been taken.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching hazardous substance regulations and health and safety law. An HSE spokesperson stressed that poor management of metalworking fluids continues to put workers at risk of serious ill-health — and that employers must understand and control exposures effectively.
Qualvaris Perspective:
At QUALVARIS, we believe that effective control of hazardous substances starts with understanding the risk and implementing robust management systems. Cases like this highlight the critical importance of properly assessing, monitoring, and maintaining metalworking fluids to prevent harmful exposure.
We support businesses in reviewing COSHH assessments, strengthening exposure control measures, improving maintenance regimes, and enhancing workforce awareness and training. By embedding practical controls and continuous monitoring into daily operations, organisations can protect worker health, maintain compliance, and build resilient, high-performing workplaces.
