A JOINERY company has been forced to pay more than £14,000 in fines and costs after it failed to protect workers from dangerous chemicals.

Paxman Joineries in Vanguard Way, Shoebury, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for not ensuring its spray shop was fully ventilated.

The company pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety At Work Act and two breaches of the control of substances hazardous to health regulations.

Southend Magistrates' Court heard the firm, which specialises in building staircases, had allowed employees - including a 17-year-old - to remain at risk from exposure to isocyanates.

The chemicals are known to be common causes of occupational asthma.

HSE Inspector Kai Patel said it was a "significant breach" of the company's duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

He said: "It is essential companies carry out appropriate risk assessments when dealing with substances such as isocyanates which are known to cause ill health. HSE will not hesitate to take action against those who fall short of the law in such a way."

The company had had enforcement action taken against it in 2002 when the spraying of isocyanates was stopped because of the lack of respiratory protective equipment.

An improvement notice was served but an investigation found, after initially complying with the requirements in 2002, the company did not continue to provide health surveillance.

Paxman Joineries Ltd was fined £9,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5126.