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BAE Systems was fined recently for a serious explosion in one of its premises on 2 March 2005 that killed an employee. The employee was working with a hazardous substance known as lead styphnate when the accident took place.

The accident that killed Lynda Wilkins took place at an explosives plant situated in Chorley. The plant is owned by BAE Systems Land Systems (Munitions and Ordnance) Ltd, which is a global company that focuses on developing, delivering and supporting security, defence and aerospace systems.

BAE Systems was accused of gross negligence at Liverpool Crown Court, and was slapped with a fine amounting to £80,000 and costs totalling £118,000.

As Wilkins was alone when the accident took place, the definite cause behind the explosion could not be ascertained. However, the HSE found that the company was responsible for the accident to some extent, as its employees had to work under dangerous conditions and adequate safety measures were not in place. The company accepted its guilt of violating Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Colin Hutchinson said that BAE Systems was very much responsible for what had happened, as it had failed to ensure safety of its workers who had to handle dangerous substances like lead styphnate on a regular basis. Hutchinson expressed his condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased. He also said that he hoped this prosecution would act as an eye-opener for other companies and would force then to adopt proper safety measures regarding handling of dangerous substances.

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