Tata Steel incurs £1m penalty after toxic substances release

The release resulted in a large flammable vapour cloud that could have killed a number of workers had the cloud ignited, Hull Crown Court heard.

According to the HSE, which investigated the incident, Tata Steel had failed to take the appropriate safety measures to prevent the release of the toxic and flammable chemicals.

It was also found the company failed to address the risks that had previously been identified, meaning the incident could have been “entirely avoided”, the HSE added.  

Tata Steel was fined £930,000 under Sections 2 (1) and 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and was ordered to pay costs of £70,000.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Stephen Hargreaves said: “It was extremely fortunate no one was seriously affected by this incident. Had the flammable vapour cloud ignited this could have resulted in multiple fatalities.

“This incident highlights the need for all duty holders to implement and address all concerns and potential risks which have been identified. Tata’s failure to do so in this case put a number of workers at risk of serious harm.”