News

Murco decommissioning: ‘Someone is going to die’ say whistle-blowers

Published

7 years ago

October 29, 2017

THE WORKFORCE doing the risky job of decommissioning the former Murco oil refinery were left in shock on Friday (Oct 20), when 24 members of staff received redundancy letters in the post completely out of the blue.

Staff said that a few of them had “been through this before when Murco originally closed”, and “now we are living the same nightmare again”.

But some of the members of staff given the axe have taken the opportunity to get into contact with The Pembrokeshire Herald to blow the whistle poor working conditions and health and safety concerns at the site.

A number of those affected by the lay-offs, which have come just weeks before Christmas, said that they were promised work until October 2018 at the time they commenced work with Waste Recycling and Decommissioning Ltd (WRD) from Sheffield and REM Engineering (REM), which has ISO 9001 accreditation, based in Failsworth, near Manchester

One engineer got in touch with The Pembrokeshire Herald to offer his views following his dismissal. He said: “WRD and REM are a complete joke.

“The managers and supervisors would not even give us decent explanation as to why we were let go, and it was all done with no warning what so ever.
“The company then on Monday morning (Oct 23) had all Mobile Elevating Work Platforms and Scissor Lifts shut down by Nationwide Platforms as the bill has not been paid.”

Others have expressed dissatisfaction at the lack of proper equipment on the site as well as health and safety standards.

Mr David Beardow, Managing Director of REM told The Herald in a brief emailed statement that “due to a change in the project programme and reduced daylight hours”, that it had been “necessary to reduce the workforce and equipment.”

He did not expand as to what the change in the project programme was and added in no uncertain terms: “No further comments or statements will be issued.”

‘A NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS’

This newspaper was contacted by another member of staff, again this week, who said: “We are expected to work with the very minimum of equipment and most of this is broken or apparently on order. There have been a number of accidents which have just been brushed under the table due to a big accident earlier in the year where a local worker almost lost his life.
In an extraordinary email our source, who asked not to be named because of fears regarding future employment contracts added: “The site manager refers to us as ‘mongo farmers’ because we are Welsh, and he has, in my opinion, a total disregard towards health and safety. I personally have seen various health and safety failings which in my professional opinion may result in another an accident.”

The Herald was told: “This firm needs to be exposed as an unfit contractor to carry out the decommissioning of the former Murco refinery and Puma Energy needs to be made aware of this company’s short comings.”

The former employees’ warning was stark: “Plain and simple they are cowboys. Someone is going to die out there.”

Our source added: “The supervisors are labourers who have little or no experience in the oil and gas sector and have no clue what they are doing.

“We want answers and want to stop someone getting hurt on this job due to the company running it.
“We have been told that the client from Pakistan has not paid WRD or REM for six months or so, causing them cash flow problems.”

The Herald contacted Tony Fenwick, boss of WRD. The Managing Director told us on the telephone yesterday (Oct 26) that we should direct any questions to REM.

We asked REM the following question: How many accidents have occurred on the former Murco site since decommissioning began? And how serious were any injuries? How many staff members required medical treatment? But REM refused to comment on this the brief statement they sent us, but did not attempt to deny that our sources were accurate in their very serious allegations.

PASSING THE BUCK

In May, Dyfed-Powys Police were investigating an industrial accident at the former refinery. A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries following the incident, which happened shortly after 9am on Wednesday, May 31.

The worker became trapped while assisting with the dismantling of the site, but at the time WRD was quick to disassociate itself with the incident, directing our inquiries to Puma Energy, the new owners of the site.

Speaking at the time, a police spokesman said: “Dyfed-Powys Police, jointly with Health and Safety Executive, is investigating an industrial accident at Puma Energy, Milford Haven.”

The Herald was in contact with the police yesterday (Oct 26), who said that further inquiries about the progress of the investigation should be directed to the Health and Safety Executive who are now taking a lead in the case.

The Health and Safety Executive have confirmed they are dealing with an active investigation.

Emma Deeny, Communications Manager for the regulator said: ““The HSE investigation into this incident is ongoing.

She added: “We cannot comment further at this time.”

It was confirmed in May that the injured party was a contractor working on behalf WRD Ltd, and that the member of staff was not under the control of Puma Energy.

A spokesman for Puma Energy told The Herald at the time: “The incident was not on a working site under Puma Energy’s control, but was in the dismantling of the former refinery area within Milford Haven, which Puma Energy did not purchase. This is segregated from Puma Energy’s site by a fenced boundary and operates under its own safe systems of work.”

KEEPING SCHTUM

In relation to the redundancies, lack of equipment and health and safety concerns from staff, David Beardow, MD of REM also told this newspaper: “We will not comment on personal circumstances or commercial relationships.

“We have, and will continue to utilise local labour and suppliers.

“We continue to work with the local community and employ and provide comprehensive training for many employees from the Pembrokeshire area.

The statement from REM was short, lacked detail and disappointingly did not go any way to answer the serious allegations raised by former workers at the Murco site.

HEALTH AND SAFETY ‘CENTRAL’

On its website page REM Engineering paints a very professional image. The company states: “Health and safety is absolutely central to our business and you can be sure that when we are working on your premises or on your project, the safety of everyone involved is uppermost in our minds and in our processes.

“Our health and safety policy sets out responsibilities for managers, employees and sub-contractors so everyone knows what is required of them – and we provide continual health and safety training to help them achieve it.

“To assist us in putting our commitment to health and safety into action and maintaining the most rigorous standards, we use external auditors who visit our sites, unannounced; to check we are following procedures.

“Where we feel there is a need for a specialist response to the health and safety aspects of a particular project, we always call on the expert services of experienced consultants to support our own meticulous approach.

“We are proud of our teams’ safety track record on site. For larger projects where appropriate, we produce a comprehensive health and safety file.”

The website also boats: “We share risks and benefits; working together to trial and develop innovative solutions to service delivery to the benefit of our clients.”

Have you been unexpectedly been made redundant from the former Murco site? Are you able to give us more information – confidentially if you wish – which will help us develop this story? Please message us on Facebook. We always protect sources.

News

Pembrokeshire tree surgeon ‘hits a nerve’ after derogatory remarks about his mother

Published

2 hours ago

November 6, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A NARBERTH pub dispute left a local tree surgeon with a suspended sentence after he reacted to offensive comments made about his mother.

The incident unfolded on October 18 at The Dragon Inn, Narberth, where Ashley Williams, 34, allegedly retaliated after fellow pub-goer Paul Deary made provocative remarks about his mother. Both men had been drinking when, around 10:00pm, Deary reportedly launched into derogatory comments about engaging with Williams’ mother, according to Williams’ solicitor, Tom Lloyd.

“Out of nowhere, the complainant directed significant and completely inappropriate comments at the defendant,” said Mr. Lloyd.

In response, Williams, of Stoneyford Farm, Narberth, confronted Deary, pushing him backward and causing him to hit his head against a wall. The impact left Deary with a serious head wound requiring 45 stitches, which will leave a permanent scar, as confirmed by Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.

In a victim impact statement, Deary expressed feeling “unsafe in my hometown” following the altercation and shared that he has since resorted to “sofa surfing” to avoid returning home.

The court also heard that Deary’s mobile phone and necklace were damaged in the confrontation.

Williams, who pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm, was represented by Mr. Lloyd, who highlighted the provocatory nature of Deary’s comments. “It wasn’t his intention to inflict such injury,” said Mr. Lloyd. “However, it’s crucial to consider the degree of provocation.”

Probation officer Julie Norman informed the court that Williams had consumed around eight pints after finishing work that evening. “Those comments hit a nerve. Had he not been drinking, he’d likely have walked away,” she said.

Williams was handed a 26-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £500 in compensation to Deary, including £200 for the damage to his mobile phone and necklace. He must also pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 in costs. Additionally, he is required to complete ten rehabilitation activity days and will be fitted with an alcohol monitoring tag for 120 days.

Business

Stena announces redundancy plan amid uncertainty for Pembrokeshire

Published

9 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FREIGHT carrier and ferry operator Stena Line, which runs services between Fishguard and Rosslare, has announced plans to cut up to 80 staff members following an internal review.

Uncertainty looms over whether any of these redundancies will impact staff operating our local ferry services.

Stena CEO Paul Grant shared the news in an email to employees on Monday, citing a need to “future proof the company.” He explained that an internal assessment revealed the company’s current organisational structure as “too big and expensive” compared to its revenue.

The decision comes amid rising costs and increased competition in the freight and travel sectors.

According to Mr. Grant, “Cost pressure due to higher inflation has led to our customers having less money to spend, and with the introduction of the European Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), increasing our prices, we see a decline in volumes for both travel and freight.” Additionally, disappointing sales during the summer season and unmet market growth expectations for 2024 contributed to the restructuring.

The program, designed to strengthen Stena’s long-term business viability, includes a reduction of costs, prioritization of investments, and staff cuts that will primarily impact support functions and consultants. The workforce will be reduced by 80 positions by early 2025, along with 30 consultants also set to leave the company. Discussions with unions and work councils are expected to last several months, with all affected staff to be informed of their status by January 31, 2025.

In response to this announcement, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) has demanded a meeting with Stena Line to clarify the impact of these cuts, particularly on their members.

TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust expressed disappointment over the handling of the announcement, stating: “Our members are shocked by this news and outraged that Stena has chosen to sidestep established industrial relations processes. Stena must meet with us urgently to clarify who is at risk and address the potential impacts on our members.”

The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at securing Stena Line’s future amid sustainability challenges. CEO Niclas Mårtensson acknowledged the difficult decision, stating, “Stena Line has been a successful company over the past few years; however, we need to ensure a lower cost base to be able to future proof the company. With 40 vessels in Europe and the Mediterranean, we have significant sustainability challenges ahead of us, and this program will enable us to make necessary investments for the future.”

The TSSA’s letter to Stena reiterates the union’s commitment to supporting affected employees and calls for an immediate discussion to clarify the situation, especially for staff at Fishguard who may be impacted.

News

UK government to appoint first Wales Crown Estate Commissioner

Published

10 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FOR the first time, the UK government will appoint a Crown Estate Commissioner dedicated to advising on matters in Wales, further integrating Welsh interests in board-level decisions. This move supports existing efforts to ensure that Wales benefits from the push for clean energy, following an agreement facilitated by the Welsh Secretary.

An amendment to the Crown Estate Bill, with cross-party backing from Labour, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrats, and crossbenchers, will be accepted at today’s Lords Report Stage (Nov 5). This change mandates the appointment of a Wales-specific Commissioner through the Public Appointments process, with input from the Welsh Government. The appointee will bear “an additional responsibility” to represent Welsh conditions and interests, amplifying Wales’s voice within the Crown Estate.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has collaborated with the Treasury, The Crown Estate, House of Lords members, and the Welsh Government to secure this legislative advancement. The Crown Estate, instrumental in drawing international investment to Wales, supports projects like Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea, which promises cleaner energy and job creation.

The introduction of a Wales-specific Commissioner strengthens The Crown Estate’s mission to serve the entire UK while averting potential market fragmentation and protecting international investor confidence critical to the net-zero transition.

In a related effort, Great British Energy, the government’s new public energy firm, recently partnered with The Crown Estate to expedite renewable energy advancements. This initiative could attract up to £60bn in private investment, boosting the UK’s journey toward energy independence.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens stated: “This is a landmark step toward ensuring that Welsh prosperity is at the heart of the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower. Our nation stands to benefit hugely from investment in floating offshore wind, and we now have the representation we need to help seize that moment. This demonstrates how Wales benefits directly from its two governments working together, and I’m grateful to Lord Livermore, The Crown Estate, and others for helping to make this happen.”

Sir Robin Budenberg CBE, Chair of The Crown Estate, said: “In seeking to increase the number of Commissioners from eight to twelve, The Crown Estate welcomes the opportunity now presented by this amendment to bring even more direct knowledge and understanding of the areas in which we operate and further strengthen our ability to deliver benefit to the whole of the UK.”