Thirteen people were injured at Samancor Chrome’s Middelburg Ferrochrome smelter on Wednesday morning following an accident that resulted from a sudden release of hot gases from an arc furnace.
An on-site paramedic unit assisted the injured workers prior to the arrival of Midmed’s emergency response unit, which transported the injured workers to the local hospital, the company said.
Those requiring specialist treatment were moved to other hospitals.
“Our employees’ care is now in the hands of the doctors and medical staff. Our prayers are with them and their families,” said Samancor Chrome CEO Jurgen Schalamon in a statement.
Counselling for employees and for families is under way and continuing assistance will be rendered to the families of the injured.
The company immediately launched an investigation into the accident. The Department of Labour completed an initial site inspection and its detailed investigation will take place in due course.
“We were, of course, shocked by the event this morning,” said Samancor Chrome vice-president John Ferreira.
“Our organisation has adopted world-class best practices in improving our safety record where we aspire to achieve zero harm,” Ferreira added. — I-Net Bridge