HSE visits remain at a level we have not seen since the 1990’s with clients operating in woodworking being particularly targeted by HSE Inspectors reviewing exposure to wood dust. If you have a joinery workshop or similar and aren’t sure if you have adequate precautions in place, take action now and contact us to speak about what the expectations of an HSE Inspector are. We have enormous experience and are a small and friendly team of experts who can guide you through exactly what to do and where your money should be spent to avoid enforcement and be compliant. Contact us now or ask us to call you back and discuss.
Joinery Firm Fined £10,000 for Failing to Protect Its Workers
Date: 17 July 2025
Case: Abbey Joinery and Manufacture Limited (Teesside Magistrates’ Court) fined £10,000 + £4,428 costs
Inspection date: Unannounced visit on 25 May 2023
Location: Middlesbrough, North‑East England
Multiple failings uncovered in HSE inspection
During an unannounced inspection at Abbey Joinery’s workshop on Whorlton Road, Middlesbrough, inspectors found serious breaches of health and safety. Specifically, the company failed to adequately control wood dust exposure and neglected maintenance of electrical installations—leaving employees exposed to unnecessary risks (HSE Media Centre).
Serious health hazards from wood dust exposure
Living and working amidst wood dust can pose irreversible risks. HSE emphasises that excessive exposure increases the chances of asthma and nasal cancer—carpenters and joiners are four times more likely than other UK employees to develop asthma from wood dust (HSE Media Centre). The business lacked adequate controls such as local exhaust ventilation (LEV), health surveillance, and proper respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
Electrical installation failures also present danger
Inspectors also identified faulty electrical systems—both fixed and portable. Exposed wires and unmaintained equipment posed significant safety risks, including electric shock or worse (The Installer, HSE Media Centre). Regular inspection and maintenance of electrical systems is a legal requirement and essential for worker safety.
Words from the HSE inspector
HSE inspector Darian Dundas warned:
“Wood dust can cause serious health problems… carpenters and joiners are four times more likely to get asthma compared with other UK workers.”
“It is vital that maintenance is carried out to ensure the safety of electrical systems… inspection and testing of equipment is also an essential part of any preventive maintenance programme.” (HSE Media Centre)
Legal outcome
Abbey Joinery and Manufacture Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Teesside Magistrates’ Court imposed a £10,000 fine plus £4,428 in prosecution costs (HSE Media Centre).
Safety leaders: lessons to take away
| Area of concern | Key takeaway for employers and H&S teams |
|---|---|
| Wood dust control | Implement robust COSHH assessments, LEV systems, RPE, and health surveillance. |
| Electrical safety | Maintain both fixed and portable equipment through regular inspections and competent testing. |
| Proactive compliance | Address issues early to avoid repeated HSE visits and enforcement action. |
Final thoughts
This case highlights how failing to tackle even “invisible” hazards like wood dust can result in serious health risks—not only in terms of long‑term illness but also legal and reputational consequences. Employers must apply available guidance—including COSHH and electrical safety regulations—to protect workers proactively.
