A global arms manufacturer must pay £198,000 in fines and costs after a
worker was killed in an explosion at a factory in Lancashire.
On 2 march 2005, Lynda Wilkins was working with lead styphnate, a sensitive primary explosive, at BAE Systems Ltd’s explosives plant in Chorley. Mrs Wilkins was operating a sieving machine, which is used to monitor quality assurance.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that she should have waited 15 minutes after the sieving had finished before entering the room, to allow static electricity to disperse. The HSE has been unable to establish the exact cause of the explosion, as she was working alone, but it is thought she entered the room too soon and the powder exploded. She suffered serious injuries to her neck, arms, thighs and abdomen, and died at the scene.
The HSE’s investigation revealed that a lack of supervision had led to unsafe working practices developing at the site. Inspector Colin Hutchinson said: “This was a tragic incident and my sympathies go to Lynda Wilkins’ family. Although we have been unable to conclude what caused the explosion, it is clear that BAE Systems’ failings contributed to her death.
“The substance she was using is known to be extremely sensitive and must be handled carefully. BAE Systems failed to ensure the process was properly supervised and monitored.
“Explosives companies must learn from this incident by making sure their safety procedures are both sufficient and rigidly followed to avoid needless loss of life in the future.”
BAE Systems Land Systems (Munitions and Ordnance) Ltd appeared in court on 14 January and pleaded guilty to breaching s2(1) of the HSWA 1974. It was fined £80,000 and ordered to pay £118,000 in costs.
In mitigation, the firm said it had cooperated with the investigation and carried out a review of its safety procedures. The sieving process was suspended following the incident and was not re-introduced before the site closed in 2009.
A BAE statement said: “The court has now considered the facts of the incident and given its verdict, which we accept. The incident at our Chorley site, which claimed Lynda’s life, has been the subject of comprehensive and in-depth investigations, both by BAE Systems and by the Health and Safety Executive.
“The munitions business of BAE Systems has a good safety record in comparison to others in the explosives industry and in similar high-hazard industries. However, we acknowledge that the procedures in place were not policed effectively in this instance, and this is reflected in our decision to submit an early guilty plea.”
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