Unite union demands inquiry into fatality at Total's Lindsey oil refinery

Unite has called for an independent investigation into the death of a worker in an explosion at Total's Lindsey oil refinery.


The French energy major has shut its Lincolnshire facility processing 200,000-223,000 barrels of crude oil per day after the fire that also injured two people.
"It is with deep regret that Total Lindsey Oil Refinery can confirm that there has been a fatality following the fire and explosion," a company spokesman said. "All affected process units at the refinery are shut down and safely isolated. All other units remain operational."

Tom Hardacre, Unite's national officer for construction, urged the oil giant to allow "an immediate, independent and comprehensive inquiry" into the death of one of its members at the facility. The 24-year old man, who has not been named, died on Tuesday.

Tom Hardacre said: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to our member's family at this tragic time. We would particularly like to know why further searches were not made when our member was unaccounted for in the roll-call when employees were evacuated." The worker was initially reported missing but his death was only confirmed yesterday.