An incident in which a company failed to identify the presence of lead paint during a renovation may have highlighted the need for better OHSAS 18001 training in the workplace.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a reminder to firms about the dangers of using this substance in the wake of the case, which saw a Perthshire firm hit with a £10,000 fine after two of its workers suffered acute lead poisoning and needed to be admitted to hospital.

"Exposure to lead can result in significant and debilitating symptoms such as anaemia, nausea and constipation and even nerve, brain and/or kidney damage," commented HSE inspector Gary Stimpson.

He added that primary contractors have a responsibility and duty of care to all workers on a construction site, regardless of whether or not these people are employed by them.

An HSE report covering blood lead measurements taken between April 2007 and March 2008 indicated that a total of 8,069 workers were placed under medical surveillance during this period due to exposure to lead and lead-based products.

Posted by Andy Finch

1. OHSAS 18001 and health and safety training 'paramount'
2. Worker injury highlights need for OHSAS 18001 training
3. Decorating firm fine shows need for better OHSAS 18001 training
4. Hotel company fine highlights need for OHSAS 18001 training