The DIC ink manufacturing facility in Auburn has been issued multiple notices by Safe Work NSW as its investigation into the tragic death of an ink vat cleaner ramps up.
The incident at the DIC ink factory in Auburn, in which Craig Tanner died and two more workers were injured, is now under a full investigation, potentially leading to prosecutions if there are significant breaches of work and safety laws found.
As it stands, SafeWork NSW has issued notices to the company, relating to both electrical safety and systems of the work. The company will have to comply with the notices over a period of time before they are lifted by Safe Work
In a statement, SafeWork NSW says, “Initial inquiries indicate the mixer activated while two workers were undertaking maintenance on the tank.
“A third worker, aged 28 is reported to have gone to their assistance and been injured.
A 29-year- old worker that was undertaking maintenance on the tank was freed by emergency services while the other worker, aged 42, was trapped by the mixer’s blade and passed away from injuries he sustained.
“Inspectors from SafeWork’s engineering team have inspected the mixer in an effort to determine the cause of the incident.
“SafeWork NSW has issued a number of notices in relation to electrical safety and systems of work.
“SafeWork’s investigation remains ongoing.”
The AMWU is also conducting its own investigation into the incident.
DIC is the country’s biggest ink manufacturer for the printing industry, its Auburn plant is its main manufacturing site. The company has made no comment as to whether the accident and the ongoing investigation will impact on ink supply.
A fund has been set up to support the family of Craig Tanner, who lost his life in the tragic accident during a routine ink vat cleaning operation.
The fund’s initial target of $30,000 has already been surpassed, so far some $67,000 has been raised by the Tanner Family Foundation. Click here to make a donation.
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