§ Mr. Delargyasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the accident on 28th July in Daneholes, Grays, Essex, involving a vehicle carrying toxic materials en route to Tilbury; and if he will have an investigation made into what safety precautions had been taken in respect of this load.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety
568Win the Official Report the latest figures for the number of industrial disputes and the number of days lost so far in 1975, together with the comparable figures for the last 10 years, including and excluding the mining industry.
§ Mr. BoothFollowing is the information:
period before that date, including and excluding the mining industry.
§ Mr. BoothFollowing is the information:
Commission that he has received information that the accident on 28th July in Daneholes, Grays. Essex involved a flat bed lorry conveying three drums of a chemical 1 Bromo-3 Chloro-Propane—en route for a Purfleet wharf. Whilst negotiating a roundabout one of the drums fell from the lorry causing the lid to split with the spillage of a small quantity, estimated at one cup-full, of the chemical on to the roadway.
When the driver returned to the scene the police were in attendance and in attempting to move the drum the officers 569W and the driver were affected by fumes generated. They were taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment and the fire brigade was summoned. On attendance the officer in charge sought the assistance of the manufacturers of the substances who promptly provided a team of specialists with apparatus to enable the drum to be removed. Neither these workers nor the fire brigade officers were affected, as suitable protective clothing was worn. It is understood that those taken to hospital were allowed to go home after treatment.
An investigation will be made and I will let my hon. Friend know the outcome as soon as possible.