Worker injured in chemical leak at Telford factory taken to specialist burns unit as investigations begin
A worker who was burned in a chemical leak at a factory was taken to a specialist burns unit for treatment.
The man, who was injured in an incident which involved a chemical leak at Muller's Telford factory, also suffered a back injury.
The incident took place at around 2.30pm on New Year's Day at the company's Granville Road factory at Donnington Wood, Telford.
Two other men suffered chemical burns in the accident according to West Midlands Ambulance Service.
Claire Brown, a spokesperson for the ambulance service, confirmed that the man with the most serious injuries had been taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
She said: "West Midlands Ambulance Service can confirm that it was called to an industrial premise in Granville Road, Donnington Wood, Telford at 2.30pm on Friday. Two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer attended the scene.
"Three men received treatment on scene by ambulance staff. One man suffered the most serious injuries which included chemical burns and a suspected back injury following a fall. He was immobilised before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a specialist burns and trauma centre, for further care.
"The two other men suffered less serious chemical burns. One required further hospital treatment at Princess Royal Hospital whilst the other was discharged on scene."
The workers had been exposed to nitric acid when it leaked from a tank at the factory.
Emergency workers in protective clothing then descended on the factory in an attempt to deal with the leak.
It comes after another accident at Muller's Creamery in Minsterley in September, in which four people required hospital treatment.
The company said it has launched an investigation and called in the Health & Safety Executive.
Graeme Jack, a spokesman for Muller, said: "We can confirm an incident at our Telford facility. In line with the stringent protocols which we have in place, the Health & Safety Executive has been informed and we have begun a full investigation."
On September 30 at Muller's plant in Minsterley, four people were hurt and the building was evacuated after cleaning chemicals caused gas to be released.
Staff suffered from breathing difficulties and were taken to hospital for further treatment.
