Peterborough based Atelier 109 was hauled before magistrates yesterday after the complaint over dangerous stone dust during its March 2010 TV appearance.
HSE inspectors visited the company’s workshop in May 2010 and served an Improvement Notice compelling Atelier to take action immediately to cut exposure to stonemasonry dust to within the legal limit.
When a further check was made, improvements were still needed but a third HSE this year found that the action recommended had not been carried out.
Atelier pleaded guilty at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court to a safety breach and was fined £5,000 with costs of £ 1,400.10.
After the hearing, HSE Inspector Alison Ashworth said: “Atelier were happy to get their moment on television, but rather less quick to protect their employees from a wholly avoidable risk that can have serious consequences and cause respiratory diseases.
“We understand the pressure that small businesses are under and this company was given ample opportunity on a number of occasions to make the necessary improvements.
“HSE only brought this prosecution when it became clear that the company was dragging its heels and failing to treat this issue with the seriousness it deserved.”