Carlsberg fined £3m after worker dies in gas leak at UK brewery

On 9 November 2016, workers were attempting to remove a compressor from a refrigeration system at Carlsberg’s Northampton brewery.

The principal contractor for the project, Crowley Carbon UK Ltd, had appointed numerous contractors for the works.

Birmingham Crown Court heard that Carlsberg had failed to put in place appropriate isolation controls to prevent exposure to ammonia before the work started.

Father-of-two, David Chandler, 45, was killed and David Beak of Failsworth in Oldham, was seriously injured. Both were employees of sub-contractor Speedrite NE Ltd.

Twenty people also needed hospital checks after showing symptoms of ammonia exposure. It was several days before the leak was contained and gas levels dropped to a safe level.

Investigating HSE principal inspector, Samantha Wells said: “Industry guidance on safe isolation of plant should have been followed. This would have ensured that a higher level of isolation was in place, for prevention of exposure to this highly toxic and flammable substance.

“Both the client, Carlsberg, and the principal contractor should have worked together to ensure that the risk was adequately managed. Not only Carlsberg had a duty here. There was also a very clear duty on the principal contractor.

“Projects involving multiple contractors require effective management arrangements, so it’s clear who is responsible for every part of the work and that safety checks are carried out before allowing work to start.”

Carlsberg Supply Company UK Ltd, who appeared in court under their new company name of Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, pleaded guilty to charges under section 2(1) and section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The company was fined £3 million with costs of £90,000.

HSE’s case against Crowley Carbon UK Ltd failed to get a hearing because the company was placed into administration.