Emergency at NM Cheese Factory: Hazardous Leak Causes Worker Injuries

Industrial plant with metal towers and pipes.

A chemical spill at a New Mexico cheese factory injures 20 workers, raising concerns about industrial safety practices.

At a Glance

20 employees injured, 14 hospitalized after chemical spill at Southwest Cheese factory in Clovis, NM
Equipment malfunction caused mixing of acid and chlorine, releasing toxic gas
Two workers critically injured; no fatalities reported
Emergency responders contained the leak, ensuring public safety
Incident highlights need for stringent safety protocols in industrial settings

Chemical Disaster Strikes American Cheese Factory

An industrial accident at the Southwest Cheese factory in Clovis, New Mexico, has left 20 workers injured and raised serious questions about workplace safety. The incident occurred when an equipment malfunction caused the improper mixing of chemicals, resulting in the release of toxic gas. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 9:15 a.m., responding swiftly to contain the situation and tend to the affected workers.

The Curry County Sheriff’s Office reported that the chemical spill involved a dangerous combination of acid and chlorine. The specifics of the incident paint a concerning picture of the potential hazards present in food processing facilities.

20 cheese factory workers injured after chemical spill at New Mexico factory releases toxic gas: police https://t.co/G3aCgKMFlJ

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Extent of the Chemical Spill and Immediate Response

According to official reports, the accident resulted from a malfunction in the factory’s clean-in-place (CIP) room. The equipment failure led to an overflow that mixed 8.67 gallons of acid with 0.61 gallons of chlorine, creating a dangerous chemical reaction. The Clovis Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Response Team was promptly dispatched to the scene to manage the situation. “It was learned that 8.67 gallons of acid spilled and was mixed with .61 gallons of chlorine due to an equipment malfunction” reported the Curry County Sheriff’s Office

The rapid response of emergency services was crucial in preventing a more severe outcome. Fourteen workers required hospitalization, with two in critical condition. The remaining six employees were treated for minor injuries at the scene. Local hospitals, including Plains Regional Medical Center and Roosevelt General Hospital, received the injured workers for treatment.

Safety Measures and Public Reassurance

In the aftermath of the incident, local authorities moved quickly to contain the chemical leak and secure the area. The Curry County Sheriff’s Office, along with the New Mexico State Police, assisted in the containment efforts. Officials have assured the public that the leak has been fully contained and that there is no ongoing risk to the surrounding community.

Southwest Cheese, which processes over 5.1 billion pounds of milk and produces more than 588 million pounds of cheese annually, has stated that they are prioritizing the health and safety of their employees. The company has established an incident response team to work alongside local emergency services and relevant authorities. By late morning, the site had been assessed and cleared to resume production.

Implications for Industrial Safety

This incident at Southwest Cheese serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers present in industrial settings, particularly those handling hazardous chemicals. It underscores the critical importance of maintaining strict safety protocols, regular equipment inspections, and comprehensive emergency response plans. As investigations into the cause of the equipment malfunction continue, there will likely be renewed focus on preventative measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

As the community of Clovis comes to terms with this industrial accident, questions about workplace safety standards and chemical handling procedures are bound to arise. The incident may prompt a broader discussion about the balance between industrial productivity and worker safety, potentially leading to stricter regulations or enhanced safety measures across similar facilities nationwide.