Veolia penalised £3m for a fatal incident on a North Sea decommissioning project.
- Incident occurred during dismantling of a gas rig structure in 2019.
- Stephen Picken died; Mark Kumar left with severe injuries.
- Health & Safety Executive identified critical failings in risk assessments.
- Veolia admitted breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.
In an alarming incident that underscores critical safety oversight, Veolia, a prominent recycling company, faced a £3 million fine following a fatal accident during the decommissioning of a North Sea gas rig. The mishap led to the tragic death of Stephen Picken and left Mark Kumar with severe and life-changing injuries. This event highlights significant failings in safety management and planning within the industry.
On the 17th of October 2019, Stephen Picken and Mark Kumar, both regarded as experienced demolition operatives, were involved in a complex decommissioning task at a Great Yarmouth yard. They were tasked with the removal of a skirt pile, which is a substantial piece of metal pipework exceeding 27 tonnes in weight, from the jacket structure of an offshore gas platform. This piece of equipment unexpectedly gave way, leading to a catastrophic fall for the workers from their basket in a mobile elevating work platform, approximately 12 metres in height.
The subsequent investigation conducted by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) exposed profound deficiencies in the way the project was both planned and executed. Notably, the risk assessment procedures in place failed to accurately reflect the dangers associated with the operation, specifically underestimating the risks associated with the skirt pile removal. Additionally, a critical lack of supervision and a deficient cutting plan or a safe system of work were identified as fatal flaws in the management of this risky and dangerous task.
In response to these findings, Veolia ES (UK) Limited, based on Pentonville Road in London, conceded to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The ruling from Ipswich Crown Court not only imposed the monumental fine but also mandated Veolia to cover legal costs amounting to £60,000. This significant financial penalty aims to remind industries of their grave responsibilities in maintaining and enforcing rigorous safety standards.
David King, a representative of the HSE, poignantly remarked post-hearing that this incident exposes a glaring lack in the required level of control when handling the demolition of vast and perilous structures. “This incident, in an emerging industry, highlights the level of controls required to safely demolish what are large, dangerous structures,” said King. “Veolia did not meet these standards and tragically one life was lost, and another forever changed.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the imperative need for stringent safety measures in demolition operations.
