§ How Irranca-DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the health and safety record of the Royal Mint in Llantrisant. [132979]
§ Malcolm WicksThe Royal Mint at Llantrisant is treated by the Health and Safety Executive the same as any other similar manufacturing operation, and irrespective of the issue of Crown Immunity, to the same regulatory regime and standards.
There have been three fatalities since the operation has been on this site; one in 1987, one in 1992 and one in June 2001. The fatality in June 2001 resulted in Crown Censure proceedings. Substantial remedial measures were put in place following this tragedy.
Over the last few years reportable accidents at the Mint have been falling; 34 in 2001, 26 in 2002 and 10 to date in 2003. This is below the national average for manufacturing industry for last year (November to November).
In 2001 a Crown Improvement Notice was served on the Royal Mint requiring risk assessments associated with workplace transport to be carried out. This was complied with fully by the Royal Mint and the Notice discharged.
In June 2003 there was a breakout of molten metal from an induction furnace on site. There were no injuries. Following investigation the Mint management produced an action plan and have acted positively upon this plan, and the advice given by HSE inspectors. No formal enforcement action arose out of this matter.
Activities at the site require that the Royal Mint submits a safety report to the HSE under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999. This report was submitted in January 2002 as required by those Regulations. HSE will carry out inspections and interventions on the Royal Mint site taking into account the safety report, as it would for any other site with similar industrial risks.