"Babies were born with no arms. Dust blew through town. The law was ignored — and lives were changed forever."
Chemical safety isn't just compliance—it's protection.
The Corby Scandal is one of the clearest examples of what happens when safety rules are ignored. In the 1990s, a redevelopment project in Northamptonshire uncovered toxic soil filled with industrial chemicals.
Instead of following proper COSHH procedures, trucks rolled through residential streets.
Dust blew into homes, schools, and parks.
And the most vulnerable were exposed—pregnant women and unborn children.
What followed was devastating: babies born with missing limbs, fused hands, and lifelong disabilities.
What Is COSHH and Why Does It Matter?
COSHH Definition
COSHH = Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Under UK law, all employers must:
- Identify harmful substances
- Conduct a COSHH risk assessment
- Provide safety training to staff
- Use proper controls to prevent exposure
- Monitor and review safety procedures regularly
Chemicals Released in Corby Without Proper Controls
- Lead — causes brain damage
- Cyanide — deadly on contact
- Arsenic and Nickel — linked to birth defects
These substances were released into the air without warning. The consequences were life-altering.
A Preventable Tragedy
In 2009, the families of 18 children sued Corby Borough Council. A judge ruled in their favour: airborne toxic dust caused the birth defects.
But no fine, no apology, and no ruling can reverse the damage.
How to Make Sure It Doesn't Happen at Your Site
You don't need to be an expert. You just need the right tools.
Step 1: Get Certified — Train Your Team (For Free)
The Knights of Safety Academy offers free COSHH training for teams of all sizes.
Learn how to read Safety Data Sheets, conduct COSHH assessments, and protect your staff from chemical exposure.
Free Training Available
Access free COSHH training through Knights of Safety Academy to build your team's competency in chemical safety.
Step 2: Be Competent — Simplify Risk Assessments with Sevron
Sevron's COSHH software lets you create task-based, legally compliant chemical risk assessments in under 60 seconds.
No paperwork. No guesswork. Just smart safety management.
Step 3: Stay Compliant — Book a Free Call
Need help getting started?
Book a 15-minute call with a COSHH safety expert who can walk you through the tools and training you need to stay compliant and protect your people.
Don't Let History Repeat Itself
What happened in Corby could happen anywhere chemicals are used without care.
Stop waiting until someone gets hurt.
Stop waiting until it's your name in the headlines.
Get certified, be competent and stay compliant.
Start Now
Ready to protect your workplace and your people? Take action today:
The lessons from the Corby disaster underscore a critical message: COSHH compliance is non-negotiable for preventing harm from chemical exposure. Contact our team to learn how Sevron can help you build a robust chemical safety system.
Safety & Compliance Experts
The Sevron team brings decades of combined experience in health and safety compliance, risk assessment, and workplace safety solutions.
Reviewed by
Dale Allen
CEO & Founder
