HSE union calls for Stockline disaster inquiry
25/09/2007
The union representing staff in the Health and Safety Executive has called for a public inquiry into the Stockline factory explosion in Glasgow in May 2004 that killed nine workers and seriously injured 40 more.
On behalf of 1,700 inspectors, scientists and other
professionals in HSE, Prospect says it supports the
call from survivors, and the families of those killed
and injured, for a full public inquiry as the narrow
remit of the initial inspection failed to answer a
number of issues or provide lessons to avoid future
tragedies.
Michael Macdonald, Prospect Negotiations Officer,
said: "The prosecution of ICL Plastics Ltd and ICL
Tech Ltd focussed on the narrow range of issues
covered by the law but this inevitably left many
broader policy questions unanswered.
"Prospect is also disappointed by rumours that
appear to cast blame on individual inspectors. While
the criminal investigation and subsequent court
hearing were ongoing, it was not possible for our
members who have been closely involved in the
case to respond."
A public inquiry, said Macdonald, should focus on
the key issues affecting the performance of the HSE
in Scotland and across Great Britain, to inform any
changes needed to ensure the best health and
safety protection for workers.
"In particular the debate over Stockline should not
scapegoat individuals constrained by public policy
but should concentrate on improving the
effectiveness of the HSE," he said. "The government
needs to accept responsibility for placing a greater
focus on funding than effectiveness - the victims of
Stockline deserve nothing less."
HSE has been forced to cut back on staff numbers
and training, close offices and prioritise work on
risks causing the greatest numbers of injuries in
the workplace as it chases reductions outlined by
Public Service Agreement targets. These priorities
are slips and trips, workplace transport, falls from
height and musculoskeletal disorders.
Since 2003, HSE inspectors are under instructions
to look just at these issues during inspections.
Unless "matters of evident concern" are raised they
cannot use their experience and discretion to look
into other risks such as fire and explosion risks,
structural safety and dangerous machinery.
Neil Hope-Collins, Prospect HSE Branch Chair said:
"Our members are committed to serving the public
of Scotland and trying to prevent workplace injury
and ill-health but are just too stretched to do all
the work they feel is necessary. We need to let
skilled professional inspectors use their judgement
to tackle all serious risks and turn poor workplaces
into decent ones."