The accident happened at 11.30am yesterday, and the man, a contract worker within the inbound fibre warehouse, was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
According to the company’s statement, the worker was struck by a large bucket loader driven by another contract worker. The bucket loader is designed to move waste paper from the floor to the recycling lines inside the warehouse.
“We are all deeply shocked by this tragic incident. We made the decision to close the whole mill overnight as a mark of respect for the deceased and his family. Staff affected by the incident will be offered support going forward, including counselling as required,” said David Ingham, general manager, UPM Shotton.
He added: “We will continue to work closely with all parties to identify the cause of the incident. As this remains a live investigation by HSE we are unable to provide further comment.”
According to UPM’s statement, North Wales Police and the Health & Safety Executive are on site and are currently carrying out interviews with all witnesses and staff.
Shotton is an integrated facility that manufactures recycled newsprint. It employs 200 staff and encompasses a materials recycling facility, paper machine and a biomass combined heat and power unit. The accident happened in the recovered paper warehouse on the Deeside Industrial Park, which is used to store paper prior to recycling. The warehouse is closed until further notice.
The accident comes just six months after the Shotton Mill was lauded for passing the milestone of five years of operation without any lost time accidents.
North Wales Police detective chief inspector Neil Harrison said: “A man is currently in custody helping police with inquiries, and the Health & Safety Executive have been informed as the collision did not occur on a public road.
“An investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this tragic incident.”
The driver of the bucket loader involved was initially arrested by the police as part of their investigation. He has since been released without charge.
