UK chemical distribution safety record for 2006

A new report from the Chemical Business Association (CBA) report reveals a 'mixed' picture of the chemical distribution industry safety, health and environmental performance in 2006

The CBA annual 'Responsible Care Indices of Performance' shows the industry recorded its lowest-ever level of accidents, but this achievement was over-shadowed by the fact that a fatality was also recorded.

Transport incidents have shown a year-on-year rise.

The Indices of Performance Report contains data on a range of key performance indicators for 93 companies employing more than 4,200 people.

"Overall, the longer term trend for the range of Responsible Care indices remains positive," said Andrew Raybould, Chairman of the CBA Responsible Care Committee: "We will continue to promote best practice through the CBA workshops and seminars to remedy areas of under-performance".

* Reportable Injuries.

A total of 28 accidents were reported under the provisions of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) - a decrease of 11 accidents on the previous year - and a year-on-year fall of 28%.

This is the lowest number ever reported since the Association programme began in 1993.

Three accidents resulted in serious injury (2005 - 6) whilst 24 were over three-day reportable accidents (2005 - 33).

Serious injury is defined as one which requires emergency medical attention.

Almost half of all accidents resulted from a manual handling process or a slip, trip or fall.

Accidents resulting from exposure to harmful substances showed a further fall in 2006, with five incidents being reported (2005 - 9).

* Lost Time Accidents.

The Lost Time Accident (LTA) Frequency Rate in the industry decreased to 0.35 (2005 - 0.50), and represents a further annual reduction of 30%.

This is the lowest rate ever reported by CBA member companies.

* Transport Incidents.

Transport incidents are the key measure of the chemical distribution industry performance.

CBA figures bring together RIDDOR data with transport incidents involving substances not officially classified as dangerous but which nevertheless required the presence of the emergency services.

Incidents of this kind can include minor traffic accidents, mechanical breakdown or a simple puncture repair.

In 2006, 13 incidents were reported (2005 - 9) for every one million tonnes transported.

CBA member companies made just over one million separate journeys to distribute 2.3 million tonnes of chemicals to UK customers.

* Dangerous Occurrences.

In 2006, a total of five RIDDOR-reportable incidents took place at members' plants and facilities (2005 - 6).

* Waste.

The CBA Indices monitor the hazardous (special) and unclassified waste generated by member companies.

Over 8,335 tonnes of hazardous waste were recorded in 2005 with 81% being subsequently reprocessed.

Of the 7,800 tonnes of unclassified waste, 48% was disposed of via landfill; 15% was reprocessed; and 31% collected by a local authority and disposed of via an unknown route.

* Convictions.

Two convictions were recorded against CBA members during 2005.

Two convictions were recorded against CBA members in 2006.

One conviction arose from a prosecution by the Environment Agency for an offence under the packaging waste regulations; the second arose from the prosecution by the Police for having a vehicle with an overloaded front axle and incurred a fixed penalty of GBP30.

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