GMB seeks safety review after BASF chemical spill

The GMB general union has called for a major safety review after 37 workers were injured in a toxic leak at a chemical factory on Teesside.

A major incident was declared on 4 January when 4.5 tonnes of the chemical hexamethylenediamine (HMD) escaped at the BASF plant on Teesside. Two workers from the site had extended stays in hospital, with one suffering serious facial burns.

GMB officials immediately organised a meeting with members at the chemical plant, and is to carry out a "complete review" of safety issues.

"Obviously, when there is an accident of this nature, we always have questions about safety and why it happened," said regional secretary Tom Brennan. "I can assure you there will be questions raised over safety procedures, equipment and machinery."

In 2000, BASF was fined £20,000 for breaching health and safety regulations at the plant, and emergency workers were put on alert in 2004 after a leak of sulphur dioxide. An inquiry by HSE inspectors into this month's incident is under way.