On 2 November 2023 a chemical burn incident occurred when an agency worker, Marzanna Sokolowska, was doused in corrosive sink‑and‑drain un‑blocker liquid at Flowchem UK Ltd’s Nottingham manufacturing site. The spray hit her face, eyes, neck and arm after she accidentally opened the wrong valve on a 1,000 litre container that had no end cap fitted. The incident resulted in severe chemical burns, a £50,000 fine, £7,247.40 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge imposed by Nottingham Magistrates Court on 12 February 2026.
Flowchem UK Ltd manufactures household cleaning products and operates from Mark Street, Sandiacre, Nottingham NG10 5AD. The worker was part of a team decanting bulk liquid into smaller containers at shoulder height when the valve error occurred. The company’s system of work exposed employees and agency workers to high‑risk chemicals without adequate safeguards.
The HSE investigation identified several failures: inadequate training, especially for staff with limited English; personal protective equipment (PPE) was provided but routinely not worn; supervision and monitoring of PPE use were insufficient; eye‑wash bottles were present but first‑aid provisions lacked a dedicated shower. The company also failed to act on previous near‑misses involving the same work area.
Inspector Angus Robbins said:
“”The systems of work employed by Flowchem unnecessarily exposed workers to risks of injury from exposure to corrosive chemicals. More suitable working methods, including avoidance of decanting large volumes stored at or above head height could have been employed. Following the incident, Flowchem changed their working methods to eliminate these risks.””
“Ms Sokolowska suffered very painful injuries and was unable to work for a considerable period. Of particular concern were the burns to her eyelid and eye. Fortunately, she has made a reasonable recovery and been able to return to work.”
Flowchem UK Ltd pleaded guilty to breaches of Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The prosecution was led by HSE enforcement lawyer Andrew Siddall and paralegal officer Farhat Basir.
Chemical burn incident – Key Findings
- Marzanna Sokolowska – agency worker suffered chemical burns to face, eyes, neck and arm
- 2 November 2023 – valve opened incorrectly on 1 000‑litre container
- Lack of end cap on adjacent container allowed high‑pressure spray
- £50,000 fine, £7,247.40 costs, £2,000 surcharge
- Nottingham Magistrates Court – sentencing on 12 February 2026
- Breach of Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Enforcement lawyer Andrew Siddall and paralegal officer Farhat Basir
Why This Matters to Employers
Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure that work systems do not expose staff to hazardous substances without adequate controls, training and supervision.
Failure can lead to costly fines, compensation, loss of productivity and serious injury to workers.
How to Protect Your Business
- Conduct a thorough risk assessment for hazardous chemicals and update controls.
- Brief your team with regular toolbox talks covering safe handling of corrosive substances and proper PPE use.
- Review your risk assessment templates to include specific controls for high‑volume decanting at or above head height.
- Implement a robust supervision regime to ensure PPE is worn consistently and language barriers are addressed during training.
- Provide appropriate first‑aid facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What legal duty does the HSE enforce for chemical handling?
The HSE enforces Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, requiring employers to assess risks and provide safe systems of work.
How can I improve PPE compliance on my site?
Use regular toolbox talks, visual reminders, and supervisory checks to reinforce PPE use, especially where language barriers exist.
What first‑aid provisions are required for chemical burns?
Adequate facilities include eye‑wash stations, safety showers, and readily available emergency kits that match the severity of chemicals handled.
Source: Chemical company fined after agency worker suffers chemical burns – HSE Media Centre