joint Police / Health and Safety Executive Media Statement re. Chevron

On 2nd June 2011, an explosion occurred at Valero (formally Chevron) Refinery in Pembrokeshire which tragically killed four workers and left a worker seriously injured.

A major criminal investigation commenced to consider offences of Corporate Manslaughter by the companies involved. This investigation was led by Dyfed Powys Police, and undertaken jointly with the Health & Safety Executive.

Over the past four years, a dedicated team of police detectives and HSE specialists have been committed to this investigation.

Specialist Lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service worked with the investigation team throughout the investigation process.

Trained family liaison officers have worked with and supported the families throughout the investigation and will continue to do so throughout the HSE continuing investigation.

The Crown Prosecution Service has made the decision that following a review of the evidence in this case, there is insufficient evidence to proceed against any of the companies involved for offences of Corporate Manslaughter.

This enquiry was extremely complex and left no stone unturned, whereby many experts and specialists were used to provide the best evidence possible to present to the CPS.   The families of the deceased have been informed of the CPS decision, and our thoughts remain with them.

As a result of the decision made by the Crown Prosecution Service, the investigation will now continue by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), using their powers under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated legislation.  This work will involve considering in due course whether there are any breaches of the above legislation and whether enforcement action is appropriate.