Explosion and Death at Lindsey Oil Refinery
Safety and health at work is a priority. It is a matter of life and death in refineries where workers are exposed to many perils. Lindsey oil refinery (LOR),
A 24 year old worker who was working near a crude oil distillation unit died in a fire explosion. Other workers suffered injuries and more than 50 fire fighters battled the blaze on Tuesday. Thick black smoke from the burning crude oil was found reaching for the clouds.
Tom Hardacre of the union Unite expressed his sympathy and anguish for the family and said that Unite has called for an immediate, independent and comprehensive inquiry into the incident. He said that the union was surprised that the refinery had made no efforts to locate the person who was not present on the roll-call upon employee evacuation.
The HSE and the police are investigating the matter and it has resulted in safety fears at the neighbouring refineries. Many workers are afraid to go to work and have walked out fearing the safety of their lives.
Meanwhile Total that runs the Lindsey oil refinery has issued a statement that safety of workforce is the utmost priority. It reiterates that the areas of the refinery that were unaffected are safe and the work unaffected. There is also a full inspection to ensure safety and no risk to workforce in affected areas. Employee safety was being given the highest priority and no untoward incidents were reported. All affected areas have been closed and isolated to prevent further disasters or damages.
It is a wakeup call for refineries and workforce in these refineries to be safe and ensure that safety precautionary measures are in place. Protecting the health and safety of employees is an essential part of risk management. The health & safety consultants from Workplace Law can assist managers and supervisors in all they need to know to help handle health and safety in their teams and provide invaluable support to organisations in attaining its health and safety objectives.