Wessex Water admits health and safety breaches over fatal Avonmouth blast

The incident occurred in December 2020 when a silo containing biosolids exploded at Wessex Water's treatment facility in Avonmouth, Bristol. Four workers who were on top of the silo at the time lost their lives: 16-year-old apprentice Luke Wheaton, Ray White, Brian Vickery, and Mike James. Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive, Wessex Water pleaded guilty at Bristol Magistrates' Court to three charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act. The company admitted to failing in its duty to ensure the safety of employees and others, as well as failing to comply with a health and safety notice issued in 2021. Representatives for the water firm stated that they accepted they fell short of required standards and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. The company has since established an independent Process Safety Board and implemented additional staff training and internal safety roles to prevent future tragedies.