Tata Steel Europe, Britain’s Health and Safety Executive, and emergency services are looking into the causes of an explosion at the company’s steel works plant in Wales that injured two workers, as unions and local politicians called for a detailed review of what happened to ensure lessons are learnt.
The blast took place shortly after 3.30 in the morning at the U.K.’s largest steel plant in Port Talbot, Wales, which employs over 4,000 people. The incident was captured by local residents, who shared the images on social media.
Two workers who sustained minor injuries have been discharged, the company confirmed. “We are currently investigating the cause of the incident and are looking to minimise any impact on production.”
South Wales police said the cause of the initial explosion that triggered a number of fires was believed to have been a train that carried molten metal into the steel works. The site’s own emergency services, as well as local fire and rescue services, police and accident and emergency services attended the scene. The fires were soon brought under control, and police said that there was no need for concern around hazardous effects from the smoke.
Britain’s Health and Safety Executive confirmed that its inspectors were on site and an investigation was under way.
Local MP Stephen Kinnock warned that the incident raised “real concerns about safety at the works. It could have been a lot worse…Tata Steel Europe must conduct a full review, to improve safety,” he said. He was joined by Bethan Sayed, the member of the Welsh Assembly for the region, who said she had contacted Tata Steel for a full outline of what had happened. “Not only must we protect our workforce, but ensure safety and security for residents nearby.”
A spokesperson for the community union said their representatives had been in urgent meetings at the site to discuss the incident and had made clear to the company that it was important that “the time and space is taken to understand how this happened before production is resumed.”
“Our members’ health and safety will always be a priority for both the union and the company…. It is important that all appropriate procedures are followed now to ensure lessons are learnt and any necessary changes are implemented.”
“There will be a full investigation and Unite will ensure action is taken on all recommendations,” said Steve Turner, the assistant general secretary for manufacturing of the Unite Union, which also represents Tata Steel workers.
