Inquest into Hatfield scientist's death finds he died in work accident
14:02:00 Tuesday 7th September 2010The death of a Hatfield-based scientist has been attributed to an 'accident at work.'
The 46-year old MoD researcher was working at the MoD’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, (Dstl) at the time of the accident in August 2002.
He died following a top-secret explosives test in which he suffered between 60 and 90 per cent burns when a 10kg mix of chemicals ignited during an experiment at Foulness Island in Essex. He died in hospital six days after the work accident.
An inquest into the scientist's death began in Southend last month and much of the details were kept secret due to national security.
His widow said, “The MoD have lost a highly experienced, loyal, dedicated scientist. I feel very proud of the knowledge that he helped to save thousands of lives doing the research work that he carried out.”
Dr Frances Saunders, the chief executive of Dstl, said, “Some of the work that Dstl does is, by its very nature, extremely hazardous, but we aim to take every step we can to control and minimise the risks – clearly in this case the measures in place at the time did not safeguard [the man].
“We take the health and safety of our employees and the public very seriously, and since this tragic death we have done everything we can to prevent such an incident happening again,” she added. 
Previous News Article:-
Sawmilling firm faces hefty fines following two work accidentsNext News Article:-
Health and safety 'key' to the workplace, finds new researchContact us for a free, no obligation discussion about your compensation claim:
- Request a Call Back
- Call us free: 0800 0511 511
- Complete an online claim form
- Send us an email
