Overview

Join us for an evening of insight and discussion at Forks and Failures. This is a dinner series exploring some of the most significant engineering disasters in history.

Each event begins with a shared meal in a relaxed setting, followed by a presentation examining a major industrial incident. We then open the floor for discussion, reflecting on the technical, ethical, and safety lessons behind these events.

Forks and Failures offer a space to learn from past mistakes, connect with peers, and deepen your understanding of the role engineers play in shaping a safer future.

On 25 September 1998, a catastrophic gas explosion occurred at the Esso Longford Gas Plant which killed two workers, injured eight others and cut off Melbourne’s gas supply for two weeks. The subsequent Royal Commission concluded the accident was ‘practicably preventable’, focussing on system failures, rather than individual operator error. In response, a regulatory framework was developed, the Major Hazard Facilities (MHF) regulations, requiring operators to prepare a detailed Safety Case and submit a licence to operate. This Forks and Failures Dinner will explore the causes and outcomes of the loss leaving space for discussion to share learnings and experiences.

Speaker

Mark Middleton, Senior Risk Engineer, Lockton Companies LLP

Mark is a chartered chemical engineer starting his career as a process engineer at ICI, then specialising in the major hazard industry in the UK and Australia.  Mark then transferred his skills to property risk engineering working with two international insurers and is now Technical Lead – Property for the Risk Control Services team at Lockton.  He has managed global accounts, conducted detailed site property risk assessments and provided customer support across a wide range of industries and occupancies.  Mark has also taught around the world.

The material presented has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenter's own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the Sheffield Member Group. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.

Time

18:00 - 21:00 BST.

Price

Price includes VAT.

• IChemE member: £28.00
• IChemE student member: £14.00

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