IN THE COURTS IN THE COURTS
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY PROSECUTED AFTER TWO EMPLOYEES DEVELOP OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA
Cardiff University has been fined £280,000 after two employees developed occupational asthma because of exposure to animal allergens in the workplace.
Britain’s workplace regulator, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), found that between 2008 to 2025, the university failed in its duty to identify and implement suitable controls to prevent employees’ exposure to animal allergens. Both employees affected have been left with lifelong conditions as a result, and one was unable to continue in their employment.
In a statement, one of the affected employees said: “I was diagnosed with occupational asthma and occupational rhinitis, and my lung function has been permanently decreased by 33%.
“As a result, my breathing has been terrible, and I struggle walking any distance. Going upstairs is really difficult. I have to take steroid inhaler, a nasal spray and a bronchodilator throughout the day as I need it.
“I become breathless when having long conversations and I am unable to walk and talk at the same time anymore.”
HSE’s investigation found that Cardiff University had failed to put in place adequate measures to protect workers from exposure to animal allergens, despite relevant legislation being in place since 1989 under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
(COSHH), and specific guidance relating to laboratory animal workers being available since 2011.
Occupational asthma is a recognised work-related disease that can have serious and permanent consequences. Employers working with animals or other biological agents must assess and control the risks of exposure to allergens and ensure appropriate protective measures are in place.
Cardiff University pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The university was fined £280,000 and ordered to pay £11,745 in costs at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on 30 April 2026.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Janet Hensey said: “This was a case of Cardiff University failing to properly deal with very real risks to employees working with animals and not putting suitable controls in place to prevent exposure.
“The fact this went on for 15 years is truly concerning. Occupational asthma is a recognised work-related disease with potentially disabling consequences.
“HSE will not hesitate to take action against organisations, which do not do all that they can to keep people safe.”
This prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Daniel Poole and paralegal officer Helen Jacob.
COMPANY CHARGED FOR NOT HAVING COMPULSORY INSURANCE FOR ITS WORKERS
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse40.htm?utm_source=press.hse.gov uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=prosecution-push
Britain’s workplace regulator is reminding all company owners of their legal responsibility to hold Employers’ Liability Compulsory Insurance (ELCI).
The message comes from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following its prosecution of Mill House Metals, a scrap metal merchant based in Widnes, Cheshire.
The company was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 towards costs after pleading guilty to breaching the Employers’ Liability Compulsory Insurance Act 1969. By law, employers are required to insure against liability for injury or disease to their employees arising out of their employment – it is compulsory insurance.
Liverpool Magistrates Court heard that following an incident at its Hale Road site, the HSE found that there had been no valid certificate of insurance between 18 April 2025 and 30 September 2025. As Mill House Metals Ltd were unable to produce a valid ELCI certificate, this meant that their staff had no means of pursuing a civil claim against the business had they been injured at work or contracted a work-related illness or disease.
Most employers are required by law to provide ELCI cover to ensure successful civil claims can be met. Further
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guidance can be found on the HSE website at Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 – HSE.
Mill House Metals Ltd, of Hale Road, Widnes, Cheshire, pleaded guilty to breaching the Employers’ Liability Compulsory Insurance Act 1969. The company was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 in costs at Liverpool Magistrates Court on 15 April 2026.
HSE principal inspector Emily Osborne said: “Had Mill House Metal’s employees suffered a work-related injury or illness that warranted a claim for damages, they would have been denied a chance to claim the compensation as recompense for any pain and suffering they had endured.
“That is the purpose of ELCI. It is not a trivial optional extra, it is a compulsory requirement that is designed solely to protect employees.
“The law expects employers to take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent their workforce from being injured or becoming ill, but if incidents do occur then Employers’ Liability Compulsory Insurance cover is vital.”
This HSE prosecution was brought by enforcement lawyer Gemma Zakrzewski.
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