Worker dies after falling into spin chiller at poultry processing plant

AYER HITAM: A poultry processing plant worker has died after falling into a spin chiller while cleaning the machine.

According to a statement by the Johor Occupational Safety and Health Department, the 40-year-old worker and two others were tasked with cleaning the factory’s machinery when the incident happened here at around 9am on Saturday (Sept 11).

"As the victim was cleaning the spin chiller, he fell into the machine and was crushed.

"The victim’s colleague immediately switched off the machine," the statement read.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical team that rushed to the factory.

Following the accident, a team from the department conducted an investigation and found that there were no production activities at the factory on the day of the accident.

"The factory owner was issued a stop-work notice for failing to operate the spin chiller in a safe manner and for failing to ensure a safe working system for the workers.

"The owner was also told to improve on the factory’s operations and employee safety, including implementing safety measures during clean-up work and giving proper training to workers who are exposed to the risks of cleaning such machinery," it said.

The department said all employers were responsible for their workers’ safety.

"Employers are urged to identify all the hazards at the workplace and conduct the necessary risk assessments to prevent accidents.

"Failing to do so could result in action being taken under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994,” the statement said.