Worker dies at International Paper US plant

An accident occurred at the facility in Savannah, Georgia, on Sunday afternoon at approximately 2.30pm (August 31).

Maintenance worker Ricky Salter was pronounced dead at the scene, as reported by WJCL News. 

Savannah Fire and Rescue crews attended the scene. Mark Keller, spokesperson for Savannah Fire, said Salter was working in the Riverside Paper Mill when he was involved in what "appears" to be an industrial accident.

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department and International Paper are investigating the accident.

Fund in memory​

Grief counselling will be offered to employees. 

A family friend, and fellow member of the IBEW local 508 electrical union (a union which includes electrical workers in utilities, construction and manufacturing), has created a fund to raise money for Salter’s son Paul and his family. 

The page says, "While working at International Paper in Savannah, there was an incident [with] a piece of equipment he was working on which claimed his life."

The fund has raised $300 so far. 

'Valued and respected' employee​

In a statement, International Paper said, "Ricky was a valued and respected member of our Savannah team and was an employee at our mill for more than two years.

"We are deeply saddened by the death of our team member and friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ricky's family and friends."

An International Paper wood yard employee was killed in 2009 when struck by a crane at its Augusta plant.  

International Paper produces paper and packaging products with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and North Africa.

FoodProductionDaily.com has contacted International Paper for further comment.