THE Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in Suffolk has accepted a Crown Censure for health and safety breaches. A Crown Censure is the equivalent of a prosecution for a government body.

Investigations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in October 2007 at the Cefas laboratory in Pakefield Road, Lowestoft identified failings in the assessment and control of substances hazardous to health for known carcinogenic substances, including a failure to maintain control measures. Inspectors also identified that Cefas had failed to provide sufficient health surveillance between 2005 and 2006.

These failings breached Regulations 6, 7(5)(c), 9 and 11 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended). The failings have since been remedied.

The Censure was accepted on the basis that while the investigation identified failings in the management and control on hazardous substances there was no evidence of harm to any employee, nor was there evidence of a defined, identified risk.

Richard Judge, Cefas' Chief Executive said: "We take health and safety very seriously. Nonetheless, four breaches of COSHH regulations were identified and these are regrettable.

"We have worked closely with the HSE to address specific issues raised as a consequence of their investigations. There have been investments to improve plant and equipment, a strengthening of health and safety practices more generally, and recruitment to reinforce our capability in this important area.

"We are grateful to our staff for their energy and support in helping us respond to the HSE's findings. There have been positive outcomes from this experience."

The HSE acknowledged many mitigating features, including a good health and safety record, Cefas' responsible approach to health and safety, and that Cefas had a comprehensive safety management system in place.