Mistras Group Limited, a multi-national company initially based in Hartlepool, has been fined £26,000 after a 69-year-old man had received a dose of ionising radiation more than the legal limits.
What is ionising radiation?
Ionising radiation plays a vital role in various industries, including energy production, manufacturing, medicine, and research, offering significant benefits to society. However, it is essential to manage its risks responsibly to ensure the safety of both workers and the public.
What happened: Exposure to Ionising Radiation
An incident occurred when a gamma-emitting radioactive source used in industrial radiography was not returned to its shielded container.
Due to poor adherence to internal safety procedures, this oversight was not promptly identified, leading to the overexposure of a radiographer.
Although no symptoms were reported, excessive exposure to ionising radiation increases the risk of developing certain cancers.
The company was notified in December 2020 by their approval diometry service. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was also notified, prosecuting the company following its investigation.
Mistras Group Limited: The Consequences
Mistras Group Limited has been fined after a worker was exposed to radiation during an industrial radiography job. The incident happened when a radioactive source was not returned to its shielded container.
As a result, the company’s safety procedures were not followed, meaning that the mistake was not noticed in time, and the radiographer was overexposed to radiation. Luckily, no health symptoms were reported.
Mistras Group Limited, now based in Cambridge, pleaded guilty to breaking these regulations.
The company was fined £26,000 and ordered to pay £11,353 in costs at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on 22 May 2025.
HSE findings and the Safety Regulation failures
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found several safety failings. The worker had not done or recorded important safety checks. Radiation alarms and monitors were available but not used. If they had been, they would have warned the worker to move to a safe place. The company also failed to report the incident properly.
HSE also found the company did not make sure staff followed safety rules and did not supervise them properly. This was not the first time the company had failed in this way.
Industrial radiography involves elevated levels of radiation, so it must be done carefully under strict safety rules set out in the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017. Employers must keep workers’ exposure as low as possible.
Frequently asked questions
I think I have been exposed to radiation at work. Can I make a claim?
Yes. If the employer has failed to follow the Ionising Radiations Act 2017 (IRR17), resulting in you being exposed, you may have a ground for a personal injury claim.
What if I am not displaying any symptoms?
You may still have a claim as radiation-related illnesses like cancer can take years to develop.
Claims may also include compensation for emotional distress, the need for continued medical monitoring, or the heightened risk of developing future health conditions.
What kind of compensation could I receive?
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income (past and future)
- Psychological harm (e.g. anxiety about health)
- Travel or care costs related to the exposure.
How can I prove that I was exposed to radiation?
We build your case using a range of evidence, including:
- Your medical records and radiation dose (dosimetry) data
- Workplace safety policies and procedures
- Reports from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Statements from colleagues or other witnesses
- Expert opinions, such as from occupational health specialists or radiologists
Is there a time limit for making a claim?
Yes. Under the Limitation Act 1980, you have three years to start a personal injury claim. This time limit runs from either:
- The date of the incident that caused the harm, or
- The date you first became aware that your injury or illness was linked to that incident.
For long latency condition cases, like cancers which do not appear after years after being exposed to the radiation, the three-year limit begins when a medical diagnosis is made, or when you become aware of the cause of your illness.
What if the company has already been fined by the HSE?
If the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a fine, it can significantly support your case. A fine typically indicates that the company breached health and safety laws, and we can use the HSE’s investigation findings as compelling evidence of negligence.
How much will it cost to make a claim?
Most claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis. This means you will not need to pay legal fees unless your claim is successful.
How do I begin a claim?
Simply contact our team for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will take the time to understand your situation, explain your legal rights, and guide you through the next steps.
Further information:
Limitation Act 1980 UK.
What are the symptoms?
Introduction to radiation in the workplace.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you have experienced a similar situation regarding exposure to ionising radiation, get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation.
Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
Liam Hill is a Solicitor and Deputy Head of the Industrial Disease Team, having trained and qualified at Oakwood Solicitors. Liam joined us in 2013 after successfully completing the Legal Practice C…
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