Plymouth City Council has been fined £200,000 after its failures to comply with legislation led to employees developing hand and wrist conditions.

Between 2017 and 2019, six council employees developed conditions caused by ‘prolonged and uncontrolled exposure’ to hand-arm vibration while working in grass cutting or tree management.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that between 2005 and 2019, PCC failed to comply with legislation, despite guidance that has been available to employers since 2005.

HSE inspector Janet Hensey said: ‘The fine imposed on Plymouth City Council should underline to everyone carrying out similar activities that the courts, and HSE, take a failure to follow legislation seriously.

‘We will not hesitate to take action against companies which do not do all that they can to keep people safe. Exposure to vibration is a recognised health risk with potentially disabling consequences.’

Plymouth CC pleaded guilty of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The council was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay £25,877 in costs at Plymouth Magistrates Court on 29 June.

Plymouth CC chief executive Tracey Lee said: ‘We take our health and safety responsibilities very seriously. We fully accept that there were failings in our processes which is why we pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity. We note the judge’s comments and fully accept the sentence of the court.

‘We have already reviewed our processes and as a result, we have put in place new procedures and equipment to prevent something like this from happening again.’

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