A dental laboratory in Swinton, Greater Manchester had to pay dearly for not keeping its premises clean. The Rossford Dental Laboratory Ltd. was inspected by HSE Inspector Matt Greenly in March 2008. Greenly had expected the lab to be clean and well maintained because of a previous Improvement Notice that had been issued to it. Rossford had complied with it and it was believed that the company had fully understood the need for maintaining hygienic and clean premises.

However, Greenly was shocked to find the laboratory extremely dirty. Its condition was very unhygienic with dust and waste clogging the sinks and large quantities of garbage scattered throughout the lab. Therefore, he was forced to issue another Improvement Notice. On request of the proprietor of the lab, he gave them a two month period for improving the condition of the lab and meeting the requirements under the notice.

Despite the notice period, when the Inspector revisited the lab in May 2008, he found it to be as dirty as it was earlier. Therefore, a lawsuit was filed against the company before the Trafford Magistrates’ Court.

The lab had no choice but to admit its guilt. It had failed to comply with Section 33(1) (g) of the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974 as it did not adhere to the Improvement Notice during the given timeframe. The verdict of the case was pronounced on Wednesday, August 26. The Court imposed a fine of £2,500 on the lab and an additional £1,500 as costs of the case.

Following the case, Greenly urged companies to get into action as soon as the Improvement Notices are served. He said this would ensure that the health of the staff and the company