Government response to ICL blast welcomed

The government’s response to Lord Gill’s inquiry into the 2004 explosion at the ICL factory in Glasgow has been welcomed by the Scottish TUC.

The explosion killed nine workers and seriously injured 33 following a leak of liquid petroleum gas (LPG).

STUC general secretary Grahame Smith said: “I am sure that the families will welcome the comments regarding improved and more effective enforcement.”

The STUC also welcomed the rejection of Gill’s recommendations on introducing an independent verification scheme on LPG contractors and independent audits of LPG risk assessments. It says they would be too bureaucratic, would lead to confusion and would allow unscrupulous employers to distance themselves from their legal obligations.

The government’s response is at www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/icl-inquiry-response.pdf