Chemical industry warned over safety

Firms operating in the chemical industry must ensure safe systems of work are in place for employees, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has stated.

The warning comes after an explosion at the Warwick International Group operation in Mostyn Flintshire caused significant damage to a factory.

Nobody was killed or injured in the incident however the company pleaded guilty at Mold magistrates' court to a charge under section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and ordered to pay a total of £34,500 in fines and costs.

An investigation by the HSE found risk assessments had not been updated by the company while it had also failed to take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of an explosion occurring.

Jo-Anne Michael, the investigating inspector, said: "This incident was entirely foreseeable and avoidable, and it is extremely lucky that no-one was hurt as a result".

Recently, a jury in Sheffield found a Polish worker who died in an explosion at a factory last year could have been saved had he been wearing protective clothing and received appropriate health and safety training.