Pipeline transportation business fined £2.3m following serious safety breach

A pipeline transportation company has been fined £2.3m after workers on a Lincolnshire building site were put at risk of serious injury and even death.

Staff at Exolum Pipeline System Ltd were excavating a suspected pipeline leak in woodland adjacent to the B1398 and M180 near Holme, North Lincolnshire, between 7 and 10 March 2018.

The leaking pipeline, which had been repaired previously, contained petrol under high pressure. Investigators found that an unknown defect on the previous repair had the potential to form a flammable cloud extending over several metres from the work area, putting those in the immediate vicinity in danger of being covered in a heavy spray of petrol and engulfed in petrol vapour.

Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Exolum Pipeline System Ltd was found to have failed to properly identify and control the risks associated with carrying out a pipeline repair.

The London firm was found guilty of an offence contrary to Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and an offence contrary to Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 following a trial at Grimsby Crown Court.

It has been ordered to pay the hefty fine and £157,431 costs.

HSE inspector Mark Leadbetter said: “This incident had the potential to cause serious injury or death to multiple casualties and could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”