Business / Ceiling caves in at Scalloway salmon plant
AN INTERNAL investigation has been launched after a large quantity of ice came crashing down through the ceiling of a fish factory in Shetland, narrowly avoiding workers packing farmed salmon.
Scottish Sea Farms, which owns the plant in Scalloway, said people were shaken but added that fortunately no-one was injured.
The accident happened last week.
It is understood that an ice machine, located in an area above the packing station, developed a fault and discharged as much as a tonne of ice which crashed through the ceiling.
In a short statement, the company’s health and safety manner Gerry McCormick said: “The safety of our people is paramount, so we’re hugely relieved to confirm that, whilst some colleagues were left understandably shaken, there were no serious injuries.
“Our priorities in the hours and days since have been to ensure that the facility is safe to resume operations and to undertake a full and thorough investigation.”
However, workers Shetland News has spoken to feel the environment is still unsafe after the damage was temporarily repaired.
Scottish Sea Farms said it was unable to give any more details at this early stage.
The company is by far the largest salmon producer in Shetland after buying out its main local competitor Grieg Seafood last year for £164 million.
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