North Wales Police said they called at 12.05pm on Monday 6 February, “to a report of a collision at the Paper Mill, Weighbridge Road on Deeside Industrial Park.”
Describing the person involved as a “male pedestrian”, the police said he was “in collision with a HGV”, and died at the scene.
(Updated 5pm 7 February): UPM Shotton said: “The deceased was a contract worker within the inbound recovered fibre warehouse. The man was struck at 11.30am. by a large bucket loader driven by another contract worker. The bucket loader is designed to move waste paper from the floor to the recycling lines inside of the warehouse as per standard operations. He was declared dead at the scene.
“As per protocol, the Police were informed along with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). North Wales Police subsequently arrested the driver of the bucket loader, who assisted them with their enquiries. The driver has now been released without further charge.
“The HSE has concluded interviewing of witnesses and reviewed materials relating to the incident. North Wales Police has handed the case to HSE for sole investigation. UPM will continue to fully support.”
The driver of the vehicle was arrested at the time but has since been released without charge with no further police action. Speaking after the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Harris said: “A man is currently in custody helping police with inquiries, and the Health and Safety Executive have been informed as the collision did not occur on a public road.”
The HSE has confirmed an investigation is underway.
Closed
As a result of the incident which was in the recovered fibre warehouse which contains newspapers and magazines for use in paper manufacturing, the warehouse has been closed. This is so that investigations can take place and it is unlikely to reopen until the HSE have concluded its initial inquiries.
A spokesman for UPM Shotton said that immediately after the incident the emergency services were called. “However, the person was declared dead at the scene by paramedics. UPM Shotton’s Emergency Response Team were on site including a first aid responder.”
David Ingham, general manager, UPM Shotton said on Monday 6 February: “At this time we are investigating the full details of the incident, working closely with the emergency services and the HSE. Our immediate thoughts are with the individual’s family and colleagues. We will provide full support to all staff involved and investigate fully with all parties.”
Mr Ingham added this afternoon (7 February): “We are all deeply shocked by this tragic incident. We made the decision to close the whole mill overnight as a mark of respect for the deceased and his family. Staff affected by the incident will be offered support going forward, including counselling as required.
“We will continue to work closely with all parties to identify the cause of the incident. As this remains a live investigation by HSE we are unable to provide further comment.”
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