Health screening company failed workers

A company based in Cornwall has been prosecuted after using unqualified staff to screen the health of workers.

Audio Medical Services Ltd (AMS) carried out tests inadequately for 59 companies over a period of at least four years across the UK.

But it failed to provide employers with information to prevent workers’ health deteriorating and did not refer employees to occupational health professionals when required.

Audio Medical Services Ltd of Liskeard pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Nick Nickson, the Managing Director of AMS, also pleaded guilty to the same offence.
AMS Ltd were fined £3,200 and ordered to pay costs of £5,000 by Bodmin Magistrates Court in a case brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Managing Director, Nick Nickson, was also fined £700.

The case related to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) but the court heard that AMS staff, including Mr Nickson, did not have occupational health training and had not received the relevant training to perform screening for the condition.

The issue came to light following a company identifying anomalies with the screening performed by AMS.

HSE Inspector, Georgina Speake, said: “The failures of AMS were totally unacceptable.
“Companies using AMS thought they were doing the right thing by providing screening for their employees. AMS’ negligent behaviour meant a significant number of workers have been put at risk of worsening their conditions by continuing with their normal work practices when they should have stopped.”

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