St Helens Gas Explosion – John Webster Responds to HSE Investigation, Conviction & Fine

On the 15 February 2012 we reported how the HSE had fined John Webster, of North West Gases, a sum £22,500 for failing to take reasonable care of himself and his employees, putting them in danger of suffering a work injury, which occurred after a gas explosion on site.

We have since received a reply from Mr Webster, strongly defending his actions over many years as a successful businessman in the North West of England.

John Webster was prosecuted by the HSE after he and an employee received burns to their hands, legs and faces after an explosion at the premises of North West Gases that led to a fire.

Speaking yesterday, John Webster said he was surprised at the statement issued by the HSE which suggested that his failure to ‘carry out even the most basic of safety checks led to what was an entirely preventable incident’. He added that he had successfully de-valved two cylinders prior to the one which released gas.

He added that the company had an unblemished safety record stretching over 30 years, at two separate North West sites and had achieved this by following strict guidelines relating to the handling of LPG cylinders to prevent a gas explosion.

‘’I was rightly proud of our safety record.’’

Gas Explosion Investigation Dragged on for Almost Three Years

Mr Webster further questioned the HSE assumption that he had not checked for any potential sources of ignition in the building where the incident took place. Following the investigation, using a range of experts in the field, they had failed to come up with a source or the cause of ignition.

Commenting after the case, John Webster, the managing director of the firm, said:
“I was disappointed with both the verdict and the amount of the fine which failed to take in to account the companies unblemished safety record.”

He claims that HSE officials had taken almost three years to launch a prosecution despite the firm’s complete co-operation during that period and in doing so had put in jeopardy the jobs of 15 full times employees. He added:

“They only gave me 11 days to prepare for court.

“It was only after we contacted our MP, Mr Shaun Woodward to ask him to intervene did the HSE finally make a move, otherwise I believe we would still be waiting till this day for a decision over our future.”

Mr Webster further challenges the HSE’s assumption that ‘luck’ played any part in preventing a fatality during the accident.

“Both the other employee and I were kitted out in the correct safety equipment.

“How that equates to recklessness is beyond my comprehension. I believe I have been boss bashed, they had insufficient evidence to prosecute the company and decided to prosecute me personally.’’

Life Savings Used to Defence Company Against Gas Explosion Investigation

Mr Webster and his brother had placed their life savings into the company to provide the work that the insurers should have completed. He also claims that the legal defence cover that he was entitled to under the terms of the policy was pulled after his first appearance at the Magistrate court. His insurers had claimed that ‘a successful defence would seriously prejudice their position’ which led to his case being defended through finding family loans and legal aid for funding.

“I should never have been placed in that position, directors of small companies should check their insurance policies carefully and ensure that legal cover is not placed with the same insurer.’’

Mr Webster is currently considering an appeal against his conviction.

Here at Duncan Gibbins we welcome comment on our stories and we are pleased to receive this reply from Mr Webster, stating his side of the story that we published on 15 February 2012.

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