UNIONS have demanded petroleum giants Esso and ExxonMobil listen to the fears of their workers that a major accident could occur at Fawley oil refinery.
Their call came as the Daily Echo's exclusive report on a damning Government health and safety investigation into Britain's biggest refinery made headlines across the world.
American news services last night reported ExxonMobil's denials that the giant complex, on the edge of Southampton Water, was unsafe.
Under-reporting of minor accidents, ageing infrastructure, lack of maintenance and a blame culture were among workers' major concerns, according to the leaked Health and Safety Executive inspection report.
Two of Britain's biggest unions - which represent hundreds of Fawley workers - yesterday said the Texas-based firm must respond immediately to the worrying findings.
Bob Stokes, a senior organiser for GMB, which represents Fawley sub-contractors, pictured below, said his union had previously raised with Fawley bosses many of the issues highlighted in the report.
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Mr Stokes said he was not surprised HSE inspectors had discovered there was an expectation among some workers that a major accident could occur.
"Not only have I worked there but I also live close to the site, so if there was a major disaster in there, which I think there could be, the consequences could be tremendous for the surrounding area," he said.
Mr Stokes backed claims that some workers did not report accidents or near misses for fear of being blamed by senior management.
"For quite a long time they boasted about what wonderful accident statistics they have got, which has always given us cause for concern because we are aware that there is pressure put on people not to report some of the more minor incidents," he said.
"There needs to be more emphasis on prevention and more recording near miss situations, because that is the sort of thing that actually helps prevent accidents occurring.
"It's common sense really, but because of the pressure on both the contracting companies and the individuals to keep the statistics low it doesn't happen."
The HSE's Human Factors Inspection Report was the result of a two-day audit held with about 78 employees on January 8 and 9 and a feedback meeting on January 29.
The most concerning finding for residents living close to the refinery is the fear of some staff that ageing infrastructure is making the plant a danger.
Mr Stokes confirmed some workers were concerned about a lack of maintenance on the 57-year-old refinery. He said: "It needs a lot of money spent on it on a long term basis."
Action plan
The HSE has given refinery bosses until June 3 to draw up an action plan addressing their workers' concerns.
Esso and ExonMobil said action teams of staff from all levels were being set up to better understand any concerns expressed in the report.
A spokesman for the union Unite, which represents many full-time Fawley staff, said: "We welcome the intervention by the HSE in response to the points raised by the workforce and we intend to co-operate fully with the working parties that have been set up.
"We agree with the HSE that a response by the companies must be effective and prompt."
However, Terry Abbott, regional manger for UCATT, which represents Fawley construction sub-contractors, said Fawley was in fact one of the safest construction sites in the country.
Esso and ExxonMobil have rejected any claims the plant is unsafe and said: "We take the safety of our people and of the local community seriously. We have rigorous safety procedures in place and are regularly inspected by the Health and Safety Executive as to the safety of our plant and processes."
[bold]bold[/bold] Good on you Daily Echo keep up the good work. Don't let people like George, Denzil and the same half a dozen idiots who write the same tired old rubbish time after time so as to create some excitement in their sad little lives.
Has this forum only got the same 6 people posting on every news headline. A t least in Liverpool we have proper discussions.
Good on you Daily Echo keep up the good work. Don't let people like George, Denzil and the same half a dozen idiots who write the same tired old rubbish time after time so as to create some excitement in their sad little lives.
Has this forum only got the same 6 people posting on every news headline. A t least in Liverpool we have proper discussions.
Thats a bit unfair, Eddy. Without these people how could we have a laugh at the tragedy that takes place. Think of the enjoyment these people give to readers of the Daily Echo with their very funny jokes every time someone dies. Its hilarious isn't it?!!!
Thats a bit unfair, Eddy. Without these people how could we have a laugh at the tragedy that takes place. Think of the enjoyment these people give to readers of the Daily Echo with their very funny jokes every time someone dies. Its hilarious isn't it?!!!
[quote][bold]eddy[/bold] wrote:
[bold]bold[/bold] Good on you Daily Echo keep up the good work. Don't let people like George, Denzil and the same half a dozen idiots who write the same tired old rubbish time after time so as to create some excitement in their sad little lives.
Has this forum only got the same 6 people posting on every news headline. A t least in Liverpool we have proper discussions. [/quote] Yes Eddy they are mostly the same old people, we get fed up with them too,
eddy wrote:
Good on you Daily Echo keep up the good work. Don't let people like George, Denzil and the same half a dozen idiots who write the same tired old rubbish time after time so as to create some excitement in their sad little lives.
Has this forum only got the same 6 people posting on every news headline. A t least in Liverpool we have proper discussions.
Yes Eddy they are mostly the same old people, we get fed up with them too,
Last year I toured the Fawley Refinery as an invited guest of Exxon Mobil. It was supposed to allay my fears, but I was shocked at how poorly maintained some parts of the complex were. Perhaps that is why the group I was with were told that photography was not allowed. Wouldn't want the Echo getting hold of the evidence I guess!
Last year I toured the Fawley Refinery as an invited guest of Exxon Mobil. It was supposed to allay my fears, but I was shocked at how poorly maintained some parts of the complex were. Perhaps that is why the group I was with were told that photography was not allowed. Wouldn't want the Echo getting hold of the evidence I guess!
Posted by: Joe King, Fawley on 6:23pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]Anon[/bold] wrote:
Last year I toured the Fawley Refinery as an invited guest of Exxon Mobil. It was supposed to allay my fears, but I was shocked at how poorly maintained some parts of the complex were. Perhaps that is why the group I was with were told that photography was not allowed. Wouldn't want the Echo getting hold of the evidence I guess![/quote] Photography is not aloud for security reasons.
Anon wrote:
Last year I toured the Fawley Refinery as an invited guest of Exxon Mobil. It was supposed to allay my fears, but I was shocked at how poorly maintained some parts of the complex were. Perhaps that is why the group I was with were told that photography was not allowed. Wouldn't want the Echo getting hold of the evidence I guess!
[quote][bold]Joe King[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Anon[/bold] wrote: Last year I toured the Fawley Refinery as an invited guest of Exxon Mobil. It was supposed to allay my fears, but I was shocked at how poorly maintained some parts of the complex were. Perhaps that is why the group I was with were told that photography was not allowed. Wouldn't want the Echo getting hold of the evidence I guess![/quote] Photography is not aloud for security reasons. [/quote] Security reasons!!!!Security in that place is a joke. You can get in by showing the muppets on the gate a bus pass. If you forget your pass you just sign in. They don't even ask who you are. Try it sometime. It's about time this side of the place was exposed
Joe King wrote:
Anon wrote: Last year I toured the Fawley Refinery as an invited guest of Exxon Mobil. It was supposed to allay my fears, but I was shocked at how poorly maintained some parts of the complex were. Perhaps that is why the group I was with were told that photography was not allowed. Wouldn't want the Echo getting hold of the evidence I guess!
Photography is not aloud for security reasons.
Security reasons!!!!Security in that place is a joke. You can get in by showing the muppets on the gate a bus pass. If you forget your pass you just sign in. They don't even ask who you are. Try it sometime. It's about time this side of the place was exposed
Posted by: Waterside resident, Hythe on 8:10pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]Geroge[/bold] wrote:
As per Unions trying to get some workers a day off.[/quote] What a completely rediculous statement to make. For your information it is not the aim of the Trade Unions today to "get some workers a day off". You are obviously naware that the employer has a Duty of Care. If you can't understand that then you need some serious guidance before making comments you know nothing about.
Geroge wrote:
As per Unions trying to get some workers a day off.
What a completely rediculous statement to make. For your information it is not the aim of the Trade Unions today to "get some workers a day off". You are obviously naware that the employer has a Duty of Care. If you can't understand that then you need some serious guidance before making comments you know nothing about.
Posted by: colliwobbles, scummer on 8:31pm Thu 8 May 08
security is a joke they asked me if i had a lighter on my last delivery, i gave them one and on my exit they wanted to give it back but smiling i replied "thats ok pal i have another one here i thought you needed it for your smokes"
Health & safety also a joke one rep leaning on my lorry while i was offloading 7.00 tonnes of steel with hiab and he finally realized i didnt have my safety boots on. ranting on what if my feet got caught under the load i had to remind him that he was on the phone whilst i was lifting 1+ tonne bundles over his head and as my crane could only be operated from the side of the lorry i would have to unscrew my feet and jump down to operate the crane to trap my feet. Logic eh! thus to say i was banned from the site but was back again the following week to deliver more steel with no problems on entering site. the danger lies with everyone and by eyesite only yes i would suggest a lot of the strctures are dated and in need of replacement & upgrading.
security is a joke they asked me if i had a lighter on my last delivery, i gave them one and on my exit they wanted to give it back but smiling i replied "thats ok pal i have another one here i thought you needed it for your smokes"
Health & safety also a joke one rep leaning on my lorry while i was offloading 7.00 tonnes of steel with hiab and he finally realized i didnt have my safety boots on. ranting on what if my feet got caught under the load i had to remind him that he was on the phone whilst i was lifting 1+ tonne bundles over his head and as my crane could only be operated from the side of the lorry i would have to unscrew my feet and jump down to operate the crane to trap my feet. Logic eh! thus to say i was banned from the site but was back again the following week to deliver more steel with no problems on entering site. the danger lies with everyone and by eyesite only yes i would suggest a lot of the strctures are dated and in need of replacement & upgrading.
Posted by: Derek, Dibden Purlieu on 9:32pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]colliwobbles[/bold] wrote:
security is a joke they asked me if i had a lighter on my last delivery, i gave them one and on my exit they wanted to give it back but smiling i replied "thats ok pal i have another one here i thought you needed it for your smokes"
Health & safety also a joke one rep leaning on my lorry while i was offloading 7.00 tonnes of steel with hiab and he finally realized i didnt have my safety boots on. ranting on what if my feet got caught under the load i had to remind him that he was on the phone whilst i was lifting 1+ tonne bundles over his head and as my crane could only be operated from the side of the lorry i would have to unscrew my feet and jump down to operate the crane to trap my feet. Logic eh! thus to say i was banned from the site but was back again the following week to deliver more steel with no problems on entering site. the danger lies with everyone and by eyesite only yes i would suggest a lot of the strctures are dated and in need of replacement & upgrading.
[/quote] I'm sure that the Fawley site as a whole is grateful for the time and effort you've put in to your post.
colliwobbles wrote:
security is a joke they asked me if i had a lighter on my last delivery, i gave them one and on my exit they wanted to give it back but smiling i replied "thats ok pal i have another one here i thought you needed it for your smokes"
Health & safety also a joke one rep leaning on my lorry while i was offloading 7.00 tonnes of steel with hiab and he finally realized i didnt have my safety boots on. ranting on what if my feet got caught under the load i had to remind him that he was on the phone whilst i was lifting 1+ tonne bundles over his head and as my crane could only be operated from the side of the lorry i would have to unscrew my feet and jump down to operate the crane to trap my feet. Logic eh! thus to say i was banned from the site but was back again the following week to deliver more steel with no problems on entering site. the danger lies with everyone and by eyesite only yes i would suggest a lot of the strctures are dated and in need of replacement & upgrading.
I'm sure that the Fawley site as a whole is grateful for the time and effort you've put in to your post.
Posted by: Concerned Syncrude Employee, Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada on 6:27am Wed 28 May 08
Funny enough that the old management from Fawley are now at the helm for Syncrude and they are creating the same atmosphere. People are afraid to report incident out of fear of reprisal and the culture is gone. People no longer like working for the organization and it is a direct result of the new style these "mangers" have brought with them.
Funny enough that the old management from Fawley are now at the helm for Syncrude and they are creating the same atmosphere. People are afraid to report incident out of fear of reprisal and the culture is gone. People no longer like working for the organization and it is a direct result of the new style these "mangers" have brought with them.
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