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Cardiff · Cardiff Magistrates' Court
Two employees developed occupational asthma after prolonged exposure to animal allergens at work between 2008 and 2025. The university failed to identify the risk and put suitable exposure controls in place, despite COSHH being in force since 1989 and specific guidance for laboratory animal workers being available since 2011.
Injuries: Both employees were left with lifelong conditions and one could not continue in their employment; one reported a permanent 33 per cent loss of lung function.
Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
“The fact this went on for 15 years is truly concerning.”
Employers working with known respiratory sensitisers such as animal allergens must apply exposure controls proactively, not after staff fall ill.
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