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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 relevant guidance being available since 1989 and 2011.
Injuries: Both employees developed lifelong occupational asthma; one suffered a permanent 33% decrease in lung function and was unable to continue working.
Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
“This was a case of Cardiff University failing to properly deal with very real risks to employees working with animals and not putting suitable controls in place to prevent exposure.”
Employers working with known respiratory sensitisers such as animal allergens must apply exposure controls proactively, not after staff fall ill.
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