Labour Research August 2004

Health & Safety Matters

Latex allergy payout

A nurse who developed a life-threatening allergy to latex while working at two Swansea hospitals has been awarded at least £240,000 compensation.

Alison Dugmore, a member of UNISON public services union, was forced to give up nursing after she suffered a series of anaphylactic attacks as a result of using latex gloves coated with corn powder.

The case broke new ground in 2002 after the High Court held employers strictly liable to ensure that employees are protected from harmful substances such as latex.