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ArcelorMittal Reports Fatal Accident at Saldanha Works

09/26/2008 - Arcelor Mittal issues statement regarding the fatal accident that recently occurred at its Saldanha operations in the Western Cape of South Africa.

Arcelor Mittal issued the following statement regarding the accident that recently occurred at its Saldanha operations in the Western Cape of South Africa.
 

ArcelorMittal South Africa deeply regrets to report that one person lost his life as a result of gas exposure at the company’s Saldanha operation in the Western Cape. The accident happened at approximately 21:00 on Monday, 22 September 2008, when Ben Pieters, aged 36, a contractor working for Westarcor, was exposed to gas during a maintenance operation. He was immediately transferred to the plant’s medical station, stabilized and taken to the local hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

A Saldanha Works employee was also exposed and collapsed. He is in a critical condition at the hospital, while another contractor is in a stable condition. Four other employees were also affected and taken to hospital for observation as part of the standard procedure. They are due to be released [Wednesday, September 24] and will receive psychological counseling.

Nonkululeko Nyembezi-Heita, Chief Executive Officer of ArcelorMittal South Africa said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic accident and our heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. Pieters’ loved ones. His death only reinforces the need for us to be even more vigilant and remain committed to a safe working environment at all our operations. Safety remains our number one priority.”

The police were notified [last night] to investigate the accident and the matter will be reported to the Department of Labour. The plant has been declared safe to operate. A full-scale internal investigation into the accident has commenced.

This is the first fatality reported at ArcelorMittal South Africa this year.