HSE to prosecute Corus UK LTD following incident in November 2001

E016:0616 February 2006

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) yesterday served two summonses on Corus UK Ltd for breaches of health and safety law, following the conclusion of its investigation into the explosion at Blast Furnace 5 at their Port Talbot site in November 2001. The explosion killed three men, Len Radford, Andrew Hutin, and Stephen Galsworthy.

The first criminal charge has been brought under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and alleges that Corus UK Ltd did not ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, the safety of its employees, including Mr Galsworthy, Mr Hutin and Mr Radford, in connection with the operation of Blast Furnace Number 5.

The second criminal charge has been brought under Section 3(1) of the Act and alleges that Corus UK Ltd did not conduct its undertaking, namely the operation of Blast Furnace Number 5, in such a way as to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, that persons not in its employment, namely contractors, were not exposed to risks to their safety.

The first hearing of the case is scheduled for 12 April 2006 at Neath Magistrates' Court.

The media are asked to note that, as proceedings are now active, the Health and Safety Executive cannot comment any further on this case, and no official from HSE will be available for interview.

Notes to editors

1. Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states: "It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees."
2. Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act said: "It shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety."
3. HSE made a statement updating progress with its investigation following the conclusion of the Coroner's inquest into the incident last year. This can be found on the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/press/2005/e05104.htm.

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