WORKPLACE SAFETY: Ammonia Leak Injures Six Workers

August 24, 2010

Cutler – Six workers were hospitalized for minor injuries after an ammonia leak that prompted immediate evacuation of the Wawona Packing plant Saturday night, authorities said.

The leak was reported at around 10:30 pm and was said to be caused by a damaged ammonia compressor inside an engine room. Workers said they were not warned by an ammonia alarm so that when an employee opened the room, the gas spread inside the plant.

The workers reportedly had breathing difficulties and soon became dizzy. Authorities believed that the six workers who were brought to hospitals will be released in less than a day.

Workers eventually were able to fix the damaged compressor and power fans were used to free the workplace from ammonia.