Beauty workers sue for £120,000 over toxic fumes from boiler pipe

Kelly Rodway, 35, said she was pregnant when exposed to carbon monoxide fumes
Nev Ayling

Nine hair and beauty workers who claim they suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from a blocked boiler pipe are suing for more than £120,000 in compensation.

The women suffered mystery headaches, dizziness, vomiting and even hair loss as toxic fumes allegedly seeped into their workplace at Havering College in Brentwood between 2010 and 2012, a court heard.

The boiler blockage was finally found after an unusual smell was reported in the basement.

The women who worked at the college, which teaches hairdressing and beauty skills, are suing for compensation of between £9,000 and £18,000 each, claiming health and safety breaches were to blame for their suffering.

Barrister Catherine Foster told Central London county court that receptionist Catherine Cullen, 57, was forced to quit because she “could no longer cope with feeling ill at work”.

Another worker, Kelly Rodway, 35, said she was pregnant when exposed to carbon monoxide fumes and felt “sheer panic” when she realised what had happened.

Beauty lecturer Joanne Gutteridge, 44, said she suffered headaches, vomiting and hair loss and had to open windows during classes.

Havering College and Essex county council deny responsibility and say boilers were checked annually. The hearing continues.

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