Futamura Chemical Fined £200,000 After Worker Death from Hydrogen Sulphide Exposure in Cumbria
Futamura Chemical UK Limited was fined £200,000 after the death of employee Alexander Cole due to hydrogen sulphide gas exposure at its Wigton facility in Cumbria on December 24, 2021. Delivery driver Robert Dyer, who attempted to rescue Cole, was also affected but survived.
An inquest determined that hydrogen sulphide contributed to Cole's death on Christmas Day. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that while Futamura had conducted risk assessments, it failed to adequately manage risks associated with hydrogen sulphide build-up in the drainage system.
Pleading guilty at Warrington Magistrates' Court on January 6, Futamura was also ordered to pay £20,000 in costs. HSE emphasized the importance of thorough risk assessments for harmful substances to prevent such tragedies.
