Luton Magistrates’ Court heard that Plasterboard Recycling Solutions Ltd failed to adequately control exposure to plasterboard dust which was found to be covering the floors, walls, machinery and ledges of the premises.

Subsequent occupational hygiene surveys carried out after the inspection identified exposures to dust on the premises were up to twenty times the legal limit.

Plasterboard Recycling Solutions Ltd of Hatfield, pleaded guilty to safety breaches and was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,327.60.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Emma Page said: “Employers should be aware of their legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees.

“Duty holders should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”