Leicestershire firm fined £360,000

A Leicestershire car distributor was fined £360,000 and ordered to pay costs of £12,622 after two apprentices suffered chemical burns.  The two were cleaning vehicle ramps in a workshop using a chemical from an unlabeled barrel. The chemical caused burns to their hands and arms, which resulted in both of them being taken to hospital for treatment.  An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company failed to ensure that the exposure of this hazardous substance was either prevented or adequately controlled.