Woman loses hand at Tunacor factory
LEANDREA LOUW
WALVIS BAY
A worker of Tunacor Fisheries lost her hand in an accident at its factory on 7 August.
This was confirmed by chief executive officer of Tunacor, Peya Hitula.
He explained that the woman lost her hand in an accident when one of the factory machines was being serviced.
“It was truly an unfortunate incident. While the machine was being serviced, she switched it on and placed her hand where she should not have. We have registered nurses on site that stabilised her while we waited for the ambulance. She is currently at the Welwitschia Private Hospital, at the expense of Tunacor.”
The woman has been working for the company for a number of years and has been trained extensively in the operations of the machine.
“We have footage that we unfortunately cannot make public which shows what happened,” Hitula said.
Allegations
Hitula denied allegations that Tunacor threatens to dismiss workers if they talk about injuries at the workplace.
“We are under obligation to report any accidents on our premises to the ministry of labour, which we did. All authorities have been notified.
“When an accident happens, it is our obligation to safeguard life - in this case the individual involved in the accident.
“We are a serious organisation and we have to be responsible. This is the first time in a very long time that an incident of this nature has happened,” he said.
He said the woman is still employed at the fishing company and her salary will be covered by the Social Security Commission.
“We cannot hide incidents such as these, or simply sweep it under the rug. That is an offence punishable by law. Accidents do happen and we have procedures in place.”
The Tunacor Group employs more than 2 400 workers.
[email protected]
WALVIS BAY
A worker of Tunacor Fisheries lost her hand in an accident at its factory on 7 August.
This was confirmed by chief executive officer of Tunacor, Peya Hitula.
He explained that the woman lost her hand in an accident when one of the factory machines was being serviced.
“It was truly an unfortunate incident. While the machine was being serviced, she switched it on and placed her hand where she should not have. We have registered nurses on site that stabilised her while we waited for the ambulance. She is currently at the Welwitschia Private Hospital, at the expense of Tunacor.”
The woman has been working for the company for a number of years and has been trained extensively in the operations of the machine.
“We have footage that we unfortunately cannot make public which shows what happened,” Hitula said.
Allegations
Hitula denied allegations that Tunacor threatens to dismiss workers if they talk about injuries at the workplace.
“We are under obligation to report any accidents on our premises to the ministry of labour, which we did. All authorities have been notified.
“When an accident happens, it is our obligation to safeguard life - in this case the individual involved in the accident.
“We are a serious organisation and we have to be responsible. This is the first time in a very long time that an incident of this nature has happened,” he said.
He said the woman is still employed at the fishing company and her salary will be covered by the Social Security Commission.
“We cannot hide incidents such as these, or simply sweep it under the rug. That is an offence punishable by law. Accidents do happen and we have procedures in place.”
The Tunacor Group employs more than 2 400 workers.
[email protected]
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