Chemicals can be dangerous – I’m sure we all understand that! So handling dangerous chemicals is important to get right when it comes to health and safety. Any failures can of course result in some serious suffering dependant on the nature of the chemical. I suppose the obvious one we at The Injury Lawyers have a good expertise in is asbestos – we’ve authored plenty of articles on the subject!
So here’s another recent incident that has left several people needing treatment – according to sources from Sky News, a chemical leak in Deeside has left three people hospitalised and a further 11 requiring treatment (source). The leak at a Deeside industrial estate in Flintshire required the attention of North Wales Fire and Rescue at the scene, with the incident described by them as “an uncontrolled mixture of chemicals released which produced chlorine gas.”
The leak has now been brought under control thanks to the efficiency and professionalism of the attending emergency services, which are fully equipped to deal with these types of incidents. Luckily the incident is not near a residential area, however local businesses have been advised to close doors and windows as a precaution, according to the source. Reminds me of when I was a child in Hull and the large B&Q burnt to the ground; releasing fumes and smoke across a widespread area! Shutting the doors and windows does have its obvious benefits!
Although there is little more information on the leak, it sounds like an incident that can fall in to the category of a claim for personal injury. As I have stated above, handlers of dangerous chemicals have an important duty to ensure they handle the chemicals correctly, and prevent anyone from coming to harm. A leak sounds to me that at some stage in this important process, a failure has occurred. If this is the case, the company involved are negligent and liable to compensate any of the victims for their suffering and loss.
For specialist advice on claiming for compensation for suffering and loss that was not your fault, give The Injury Lawyers a call for a free, no obligation chat about claiming and what it’s all about!
