Tank explosion leaves 2 workers permanently injured, Bio Dynamic fined £300K
An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, has determined that Bio Dynamic (UK) Limited could have prevented the serious injuries of two workers. The incident occurred while the employees were using a grinder to cut and replace pipework at the top of an 11-metre-high metal tank containing waste slurry. According to the HSE, sparks from the grinder ignited flammable gases, which caused the tank to explode, projecting the tank high into the air before it crashed to the ground nine seconds later.
Neither worker was wearing a harness, and both men were flung into the air. Tomasz Patek landed on the ground in the slurry around the tank. He severely injured his back, head, and torso. As a result of his injuries, he was hospitalized for two months and was unable to work for more than two years. Robert Tyrko landed in the basket of the mobile elevating work platform. He had to have his leg amputated and sustained a fractured skull and a piece of metal in his elbow.
An investigation conducted jointly by the HSE and the Environment Agency found that Bio Dynamic, which produces electricity from food waste by anaerobic digestion, failed to ensure the health and safety of its employees and others nearby. Additionally, the company kept and treated waste in a manner likely to cause pollution to the environment. Bio Dynamic ultimately pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, as well as breaching regulation 38(2) of the Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016 (EPR), and s.33(1)(c) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA). The company was fined a total of £304,500 and ordered to pay £229,988 in costs.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, HSE inspector Richenda Dixon said: “It’s remarkable that Robert and Tomasz weren’t killed.
“This incident resulted from fundamental and multiple failings by the company to properly manage its health and safety risks.
“These included failing to ensure that the design, installation and use of the tanks were safe; failing to carry out risk assessments; failing to put in place a safe system of work; and failing to train and supervise employees.”
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